Energy Storage Growth Causes Younicos To Expand

February 11, 20159 years ago Jake Richardson 7 Comments

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Three business units have been expanded by global energy storage leader Younicos in order for the company to better function as the market for energy storage grows.

A technology business unit is focused on software and software integration for intelligent energy storage solutions. About 20 years and $200 million has been invested so far. Experience has been gained from having installed 90 MW of storage capacity with 20 active projects. When we think of energy storage capacity, we might think of one megawatt or maybe 5, but 90 is an impressive amount. “The installations charged and discharged more than 50 gigawatt-hours in over 740,000 hours of operating run time,” Younicos wrote in a press release sent to CleanTechnica.

These setups at the Younicos Technology Center simulate grids with different mixtures of renewables. Credit: Zachary Shahan | CleanTechnica (CC BY-SA 4.0 license)

Younicos 3 — Samsung lithium-ion batteries at the Younicos Technology Center. Credit: Zachary Shahan | CleanTechnica (CC BY-SA 4.0 license)

Energy storage is a key solution to solar and wind power intermittency. It is not needed until a relatively high level of renewable energy penetration, but Germany (where Younicos is based) is getting to the level where it can be really helpful, and several other markets are now showing interest as well.

The second Younicos business unit is focused on business development and works with financing options like power purchase agreements. Long-term agreements at fair prices to both parties can create stable financial exchanges. The replacement of fossil-fuel based peaker plants can be advantageous because such plants require a lot of land and can take longer to construct — not to mention the large amounts of capital required to build them. Furthermore, natural gas prices fluctuate wildly. Of course, the issue of constant re-fueling and associated costs must be factored in.

Long-term electricity storage solutions can also replace diesel generators. As we know all to well, natural gas and diesel are not good for the environment… which we all rely on for a high quality of life.

Younicos 1 — Entering the Younicos Technology Center. Credit: Zachary Shahan | CleanTechnica (CC BY-SA 4.0 license)

“We’re seeing an unprecedented and rapid transition in global energy markets. The continuing decline in the price of storage, wind and solar-based generation, combined with our field-proven integrated software applications, creates a tremendous opportunity for industry pioneers like Younicos,” said James P. McDougall, CEO of the Younicos Group.

The third business unit is a consultancy that provides guidance on regulations, finance, and technology. Younicos leaders have many years of experience and can work with companies to efficiently help them navigate those matters.

Younicos is based in Berlin and employs about 115 people. Another 80 could be added over the next two years, according to the company.