INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Green Technology
GE and Arenko to build one
of world’s largest energy
storage facilities
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G
E and the Arenko Group have
announced a strategic alliance
to build grid scale energy storage
systems in the UK.
The companies will seek to leverage the
advantages of combining GE’s battery
technology solution, power electronics and
advanced controls with Arenko’s leadership
in operating batteries in the UK market and
proprietary energy trading software platform.
Arenko has invested in a 41MW battery
energy storage system supplied by GE,
who is providing a fully-integrated battery
storage solution. The project is one of the
largest in the UK and globally, with the
ability to provide affordable, on-demand
power to the equivalent of approximately
100,000 UK homes.
This battery storage system is sited at
a key strategic location in the Midlands
and will commence operations in 2018.
Once operational, it will integrate GE and
Arenko’s advanced control technologies
and will be commercially operated though
Arenko’s software to digitally deploy energy
and access multiple services and system
needs. The battery system’s reliability
and performance will be underpinned and
protected by GE’s long-term support.
The project will relieve pressure on the UK
energy system and provide flexibility at
times when it is most needed to deliver a
more balanced, secure energy system and
contribute to reducing the cost of energy to
the UK consumer. The focus is on building
long-term commercial sustainable battery
storage systems which are not reliant on
subsidies and incentives.
Changing consumer demands, increasing
adoption of renewable energy and security
of supply are driving the need for innovative
energy networks to deliver a more efficient
power system. As traditional centralised
generation comes under increasing pressure,
energy storage projects such as those
announced by Arenko and GE will be crucial
to maximising generation capacity, ensuring
efficient energy utilisation and improving
the operational efficiency of the grid.
Mirko Molinari, Global Commercial &
Marketing Executive, Energy Storage at GE
Power, commented: “Energy storage will
help balance supply and demand close to
real time, avoiding frequency drifts and
supporting the mid-term response to grid
imbalances. The flexibility it offers smooths
the fluctuating nature of renewable energy,
provides quick reserves when needed,
stores excess energy generation and much
more. Energy storage will enable a more
efficient system for a more reliable supply of
electricity to consumers.
“Arenko are pioneers in the
commercialisation of energy storage
systems and this collaboration cements
two years of working together towards the
shared vision of creating a battery storage
solution which addresses the ever-changing
needs of a modern energy system.”
Rupert Newland, Chief Executive, Arenko
Group, commented: “Arenko’s new battery
system will provide much needed flexibility
to the UK grid, reducing waste and helping
to make energy bills cheaper for households
and businesses. This project is very
significant in addressing the UK’s long-term
energy security concerns, enabling the
transition to a low carbon energy future.
“This is a demonstration of Arenko’s strategy
to partner with top tier corporates to make
a major, positive and sustainable impact
on the energy sector. We are focused
on addressing this complex but exciting
commercial opportunity and helping to build
the future of the UK’s energy system.” n
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