Qinous has made a name for itself with modular, scalable, prefabricated plug-and-play battery products that combine renewable energy sources, power generators and battery storage technology. The specialist for battery storage and associated control systems, and has already implemented storage solutions around the world.
“As a young, start-up-style company, Qinous brings expertise that is an ideal complement to Rolls-Royce's industrial credentials. Together we will be able to respond quickly and with great professionalism to the demands of the market,” said Andreas Schell, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems. “In future, we will be able to offer not just the technical solution and associated service offerings, but the finance too.”
Response to rapidly growing microgrid market
The closer partnership is seen as a logical and consistent step towards opening up the rapidly growing microgrid market. “Functionality and reliability of tour solutions have been proven. Now, with MTU's experience and global presence, we can meet demand more quickly and more comprehensively,” said Qinous co-founder Steffen Heinrich. He thanked the “seedcorn investors” who made it possible to set Qinous up as a company, and gave continuous support.
Rolls-Royce had already acquired a 19.9% stake in the former start-up back in October 2018. Now, it is boosting its shareholding to over 73 percent by snapping up the stakes of all other current financial investors, including that of investment holdings IBB Berlin. The founding shareholders will owns part of the company and retain their current roles in the business.
The modular components of the Qinous/MTU product range will span from 30 kW/30kWh to several megawatts (MW). This covers the needs of commercial enterprises, municipal utilities, energy suppliers, and even sizeable industrial plants.
The two partner will offer microgrid solutions, based on various power gen and storage systems. According to Cordelia Thielitz, VP of Rolls-Royce's microgrid solutions business, “The key to this is the comprehensive expertise in storage technology, the efficient integration of microgrid components and the development of intelligent control systems,”
Berlin-based Qinous employs around 40 people. Rolls-Royce is engaged in research and development of microgrids and power generators at four locations: Friedrichshafen, Ruhstorf, Augsburg, all situated in Germany as well as at Mankato, Minnesota, U.S.