United Kingdom – The technology group Wärtsilä will supply 100MW / 200MWh of energy storage systems to Pivot Power for its next two projects in the West Midlands. The systems will support the roll-out of Pivot Power’s innovative Energy Superhub model.
Wärtsilä will install batteries at two sites in the city of Coventry and the borough of Sandwell, on the outskirts of Birmingham. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q2 2021. Construction is due to commence at Sandwell in Q4 2021 and at Coventry in Q1 2022.
These new systems are a continuation of Wärtsilä’s track record of collaboration with Pivot Power. Wärtsilä is already delivering 100MW of energy storage for two Pivot Power projects – Energy Superhub Oxford (ESO), where Wärtsilä is providing 50MW of energy storage systems, and a further 50MW in Kemsley, Kent.
Hybrid battery
The ESO project will include the world’s largest lithium-ion and vanadium-flow hybrid grid-scale energy storage system, in partnership with Invinity Energy Systems. The hybrid battery is supporting the development of a high-powered EV charging network delivering power to key locations across the city, and will share a connection to the high-voltage electricity transmission network.
Energy storage is crucial to meet the UK Government’s new 2035 target to reduce emissions by 78%. To reach this, all electricity production will need to be zero carbon by 2035. The Energy Superhub projects will help enhance the reliability of the UK’s electricity system and cost-effectively integrate more renewable generation. The Energy Superhub network could provide up to 10% of the storage capacity the UK is predicted to need by 2050 and will help to create a smarter, more flexible grid, which could save up to GBP 40 billion.
Wärtsilä will supply the energy storage technology for both West Midlands projects. Underpinned by its GEMS Digital Energy Platform, which dynamically optimises energy systems.