Linked directly to the UK’s high-voltage power grid, the battery storages will provide flexible capacity to support intermittent renewable energy supply and EV charging infrastructure. The British market for expected to expand significantly in 2020 in what has been described as “the year of the electric car” by industry analysts.
This is the largest energy storage deal in Europe for Wärtsilä, which set its sights on the UK as a key new market.
The two lithium-ion batteries systems, to be installed at Cowley in Oxford and Kemsley in Kent, are based on GEMS software which leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well as on GridSolv. This modular solution links stand-alone energy storage and hybrids with thermal or renewable power units.
“We believe that a clean energy future for the UK is not just possible, it is deliverable. These projects will support a cost-effective, reliable and low-carbon energy system and promote the rapid adoption of clean transport in the UK,” said Andrew Tang, Wärtsilä’s Vice President, Energy Storage and Optimisation.
Pivot Power strives to accelerate the expansion of electric vehicles across the UK, whereby energy storage systems are meant to ensure stable supply of electricity to EV charging stations. The contracted 100 MW energy storage in the UK support EDF Group’s Electricity Storage Plan under which it aims to be the leader in Europe with 10GW of additional storage by 2035.
The French utility strives to become a leading electric mobility company by 2022 in the UK, France, Italy and Belgium. Beyond 2022, the Group’s goal is to provide power for 600,000 electric vehicles and 75,000 charging points.