As battery energy storage systems (BESS) become increasingly important to grid flexibility, accurate asset availability information is essential. Our ControlCentre combines operational expertise with specialist software from Kudo Software to help clients manage availability, coordinate stakeholders and support continuous improvement in this rapidly evolving market.
Natural Power’s experience in renewable energy operations stretches back to 1995. Established to help tackle climate change, the business has supported the industry’s development from early wind projects to today’s increasingly complex, interconnected energy system. Our own ControlCentre has evolved from a focus on wind turbine safety rules into a multi-technology operation supporting safe, compliant and reliable asset management.
Today, ControlCentre is the largest independent control room supporting circa 35% of the UK’s onshore wind capacity and circa 20% of its battery energy storage capacity.
Getting availability information right
For BESS operators, managing availability is a significant operational challenge. Asset status and performance information must be understood, recorded and communicated accurately to the stakeholders who need it, including power purchase agreement (PPA) offtakers and other critical market participants.
This is where ControlCentre brings together our team’s extensive operational knowledge, established processes and technology. Alongside alarm management, the availability service helps establish what is happening across an asset, capture relevant information and ensure the right stakeholders are informed.
Kevin Armstrong, ControlCentre Technical Manager at Natural Power, explains: “As the volume of storage assets grows, the importance of consistent, reliable information will only increase. Inaccurate availability data can affect operational decisions and market communications, making robust processes and continual improvement essential for the wider industry.
“We take the responsibility very seriously, and system enhancements are a part of our day-to-day role as asset managers.”
Technology that supports continuous improvement
Natural Power works closely with its sister company, KUDO Software, which develops the software behind the ControlCentre's alarm management and work control processes. KUDO's software helps record operational processes, export supervisory control, data acquisition (SCADA), log operational data, and inform what happens next.
Availability reporting and alarm management are continually developing in response to changing market requirements and the growing scale of BESS operations.
Emma Wykes, Head of Product at KUDO, says: “Accurate availability information depends on good processes and good software. We bring hands-on experience of running wind, solar and battery sites, and work closely with the Natural Power team, keeping what we build grounded in real control room operations, so it works for clients today and evolves with the industry."
This close working relationship supports an iterative approach: learning from operational experience, refining processes and developing the technology as client requirements evolve.
Building confidence as the market grows
Our growing portfolio of BESS clients reflects the importance of operational experience, knowledge of National Energy System Operator (NESO) requirements and the ability to support compliance across live projects.
By combining established safety and operational frameworks with specialist software and ongoing development, the ControlCentre helps clients manage asset information and stakeholder communications as the storage market expands.
During International Control Room Week, this work highlights how effective control room operations depend on more than monitoring assets. They require skilled people, dependable processes and technology that continues to improve alongside the energy system to ensure we continue to work and support clients at the forefront of the industry.