GE, Arenko form partnership to deliver 41 MW battery to UK

Global electronics company, GE and U.K.-based digital energy infrastructure specialists, Arenko Group have today announced the construction of a grid-scale energy storage system in the U.K. in what the firms have called a “strategic partnership”.

The two companies will look to maximize the advantages found in combining GE’s battery technology solutions, power electronics and advanced controls, alongside Arenko’s leadership in operating batteries in the U.K. market and proprietary energy trading software platform.

Approximately 100,000 households will be powered by the new energy storage system, which will help to reduce consumer energy bills, while providing energy efficiency to the local community in the Midlands and the U.K. grid as a whole.

The battery will commence operations this year, enabling easier management of the increasing share of renewables in the country’s energy mix, as well as meeting consumers’ changing energy demands alongside the future creation of a secure energy network.

On both a national and global scale, this is one of the largest battery projects commissioned, and builds on the British government’s recent push to boost energy storage in the country.

GE and Arenko have emphasized that the focus of this project is on building long-term commercial, sustainable battery storage systems that do not have to rely on subsidies or incentives.

Furthermore, Arenko has claimed that the need for innovative energy networks is linked to a thirst for energy supply security. The company stressed how energy storage projects will be crucial to maximize renewable power generation, ensure efficient energy utilization and improve operational efficiency of the grid, as traditional centralized solutions come under increased strain.

Mirko Molinari, Global Commercial & Marketing Executive, Energy Storage at GE Power said, “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.”

Rupert Newland, Chief Executive, Arenko Group added, “Arenko’s new battery system will provide much needed flexibility to the U.K. grid, reducing waste and helping to make energy bills cheaper for households and businesses. This project is very significant in addressing the U.K.’s long-term energy security concerns, enabling the transition to a low carbon energy future.”