UK-based Pivot Power, part of EDF Renewables, has partnered with technology company Wärtsilä to deliver two new grid-scale battery storage facilities in Coventry and Sandwell, to accelerate the West Midlands’ and UK-wide drive to net zero.
The projects will collectively provide 100MW/200MWh of battery storage and is the latest phase of Pivot Power’s nationwide rollout of Energy Superhubs, designed to deliver up to 2GW of transmission-connected battery storage and high-volume power connections.
These hubs aim to create the power infrastructure for mass-scale, rapid EV charging. Pivot Power said this innovative model supports its group ambition to become Europe’s leading e-mobility energy company by 2023. It also plans to develop an additional 10GW of battery storage globally by 2035.
Once complete, the new energy superhubs will form part of a portfolio of Britain’s most powerful EV charging sites. Pivot Power’s first project – Energy Superhub Oxford – is nearing completion and will provide a blueprint for towns and cities across the UK to cut carbon and improve air quality.
Matt Allen, CEO of Pivot Power, said: “This is the next step in our nationwide rollout of Energy Superhubs which will create the low carbon infrastructure needed to support the EV and renewable energy revolution.
“As part of EDF Renewables, Pivot Power’s purpose is to accelerate a net zero future where clean energy powers our lives. We are working hand in hand with local authorities to help them meet their climate and clean air pledges, so people can live and work in cleaner, more sustainable cities.”
Wärtsilä will supply the battery technology for both West Midlands projects, underpinned by its GEMS Digital Energy Platform, which dynamically optimises energy systems through a broad range of applications, providing critical feedback to stakeholders across asset owner, operation and trading value chains.
Wärtsilä added the partnership with Pivot Power is an important part of its ambition to enable a 100% clean energy system in the UK by providing essential grid flexibility, and builds on the companies’ first two projects together in Oxford and Kent.
Andy Tang, vice president, energy storage & optimisation at Wärtsilä, said: “The UK recently set a bold ambition to slash carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 and flexibility is the key to achieving 100% renewables and decarbonising the economy.
“Our energy storage systems are helping leading innovators like Pivot Power turn these ambitions into reality. The enhanced flexibility this project will provide is precisely what we need to accelerate our cost-optimal pathway to 100% clean power.”
