Plans have been unveiled to build a 2GW network of grid-scale batteries and rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across England and Wales.
UK firm Pivot Power said the GBP1.6 billion ($2.1bn) programme will see 45 sites developed— “installing grid-scale 50-megawatt batteries at electricity sub-stations connected directly to the extra-high-voltage transmission system”.
The batteries “will give the electricity system operator National Grid a huge resource in managing supply and demand”, Pivot Power said.
“The battery network will be the world’s biggest, storing enough electricity to supply 235,000 average homes for a day,” the company said. The network “will have the ability to release or absorb two thirds the power of the planned Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant” in Somerset in response to grid balancing requirements.
Pivot Power did not disclose details of the battery technology to be involved but said sites have been chosen near towns and major roads “where they can also power rapid EV charging stations”. “These will be fed directly by the transmission system, and so will be able to offer mass charging at competitive rates, supporting up to 100 rapid 150KW chargers. They will also be able to support rapid 350KW chargers when they are available in the UK.”
Pivot Power aims to have the first batteries in operation at 10 sites within 18 months”.
“A site on the south coast could be operational by the middle of 2019, subject to planning approval,” Pivot Power said.
The company said connecting to the extra high voltage system would give it “a competitive advantage over existing batteries and charging stations linked to the lower voltage regional distribution system”.
“Each site offers a range of revenue streams,” Pivot Power said. “The batteries will earn money from providing a range of services to National Grid, from sales of electricity to chargers, and from energy trading. They could also potentially provide services to energy-intensive industries. Rapid charging stations will earn income from EV drivers.”
Pivot Power said it had secured financial backing from UK-based investment manager Downing LLP— said to have funded more than 100 deals into renewable energy investments since 2010, totalling more than GBP500 million.
CEO Matt Allen (pictured) said: “We want to future-proof the UK’s energy system and accelerate the EV, helping the UK to clean up its air and meet climate targets.”
