Capacity: 50kW/107kWh Battery Energy Storage System
Type: Smart Energy Project
Designer and installer: Vilion, Q Energy
Completion date: June 2025
Company Brief Introduction:
Vilion was founded in 2019, carrying the technological heritage of the top 5 global battery enterprises, and backed by a major shareholder, Itochu Corporation. Vilion BESS products have already been recognized in over 40 countries across more than 400 project sites, all while maintaining a zero accidents.
Q Energy is a Manchester-based technology company specializing in intelligent energy management. It reduces energy costs and carbon emissions through AI-driven optimization of on-site assets. Together, they delivered smart energy solutions for many businesses across the UK.
Project Overview
The retailer sought a smarter, more flexible solution to manage rising energy costs. Vilion and Q Energy delivered an AI-powered Smart Battery Tariff, combining Vilion’s 50 kW / 107 kWh EnerArk Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with Q Energy’s AI optimization platform. This has allowed the tariff to offer 15% guaranteed savings against the best fixed tariff in the market, giving the retailer confidence in the financial outcome from day one.
The system integrates with the site’s existing 150 kWp solar PV array, storing excess daytime solar generation to maximize self-consumption and reduce grid dependence. Q Energy’s AI platform optimizes battery charging and discharging in response to wholesale market prices and site demand, lowering energy costs, peak-time charges, and winter levies. This also allows the battery to support EV chargers at a reduced unit rate, enhancing revenue potential and visitor experience.
Over a three-year contract, the programme is projected to deliver £24,466 in guaranteed savings. In the first quarter, the system achieved £8,737 in savings, including both guaranteed and bonus performance gains. By enabling load shifting and solar self-consumption, the solution reduces peak electricity demand, cuts operational costs, and lowers carbon emissions.
The project strengthens financial predictability, provides flexibility for future growth, and demonstrates a practical, low-carbon energy strategy for high-consumption retail environments. Locally, it maximizes clean on-site energy use, reduces reliance on the grid, and supports sustainable operations. At a community level, the initiative contributes to Bedfordshire’s 2030 carbon-neutral goals while showcasing commercially viable renewable technologies for nearby businesses.
Overall, the Smart Battery Tariff delivers measurable financial, operational, and environmental benefits, combining advanced battery storage, AI-driven optimization, and solar integration to create a low-risk, high-value solution for the retailer’s energy management.
*Media:
Vilion webisite: https://www.szvilion.com/
Vilion LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vilion-bess/
Vilion logo:
Q Energy website: https://qenergy.ai/
Q Energy logo: q-energy RGB logo.png
Client Site Image: c3b9f018932ec61f3832e0b5767d8cc6.JPG
