Centrica & HOP - Think Global, Act Local
HOP as local partner for BESS project Ostend
By mid-2024, Centrica will bring a 24 megawatt battery park, a Battery Energy Storage System or BESS for short, into operation in Ostend. In doing so, the UK-based energy company will realize a project of strategic importance in its growth on the European energy market. With HOP as its local partner, Centrica is opting for a proactive total solution.
Belgium: an attractive market for BESS investments
Belgium is an interesting market for (foreign) energy companies. The transformation to renewable sources such as solar and wind energy inevitably implies instability between supply and demand in our country. This raises the need for energy buffers, such as battery parks.
In addition, there is the planned nuclear phase-out. By 2025, Belgium wants to shut down five of its seven nuclear power plants. So the need to integrate renewable sources is very high.
Ostend is an interesting location because a lot of off-shore energy comes ashore there. A solid battery park there is very relevant to prevent congestion on the grid.
Boots on the ground, from conceptual engineering to construction
For Centrica it is important to have boots on the ground, with a specialized local partner who takes ownership of the project. HOP is that local player with knowledge of regulations, stakeholders, permits, etc.
HOP oversees Centrica's BESS project in its entirety and is involved in all project phases, from conceptual engineering and permitting to construction.
At the start of the project, HOP follows up with the study firms to arrive at a good conceptual design and then provides the technical input for the permitting applications. To avoid surprises, HOP also provides a reality check that substantiates the practical feasibility. This substantiation is also done financially in the form of a cost estimate. Different scenarios are mapped out with their advantages and disadvantages. This gives Centrica a good picture of the risks and simplifies investment decisions.
During the progress of the project, HOP monitors compliance with environmental permits, monitors the cost analysis and reports to Centrica. HOP thus keeps its finger on the pulse and allows Centrica to closely monitor project progress.
Poject ownership and problem-solving
HOP is much more than a watchdog for Centrica. In addition to project monitoring and reporting, HOP truly takes ownership of the overall project. The technical experts go into the field every week to monitor the site together with contractors, analyze risks, coordinate with stakeholders and help make choices. When problems arise, HOP engineers roll up their sleeves to come up with tangible solutions. Thus, they prevent project delays and guarantee a technically high quality project realization.
Peace of mind for Centrica
Having HOP on their side as a local partner is crucial for Centrica to guarantee successful project realization. Centrica thus continuously maintains an overview of progress, it keeps budgets under control and, thanks to HOP's technical expertise, is assured of a flawless installation of the BESS. HOP's hands-on approach also ensures rapid project realization.
Centrica can carefree focus on its core business, operating assets and marketing electricity, while managing the expansion of its infrastructure.