Second 250 kWh Energy Storage Unit Installed In UK
Anesco has installed its second commercial-scale 250 kWh energy storage unit — this one in at a ground-mounted solar farm in Berkshire. The first was at Slepe Farm in Dorset last fall. More units have been ordered and Anesco anticipates it will install about 5 MWh of its systems by the end of 2015.
Adrian Pike, Anesco’s CEO, commented: “What we have been able to clearly demonstrate is how solar power can work as a key part of the generation mix, with battery storage providing a solution for matching supply with demand.”
Anesco says it is the leading UK energy storage solutions provider. BYD Company supplied the batteries for Anesco’s two commercial installations (note that BYD is backed by Warren Buffet). Anesco also builds solar farms.
Anesco has a 1 MWh battery it expected to launch in April, but it was delayed. It does also offer residential energy storage systems now, in addition to its commercial-scale products.
One of the curious things about energy storage reporting is that it often overlooks the fact the technology has a standalone value — it can be used as backup power during blackouts caused by natural disasters like storms, floods, and earthquakes. Battery systems are also often used for grid balancing.
The fact that energy storage complements solar and wind power very well is very important too. Clearly, if you are a fan of renewable energy, the emerging energy storage industry is very interesting and most welcome. One of the main objections to renewable energy from critics has been intermittency, but energy storage technology is beginning to solve that problem. If that objection is removed, does the emergence of effective energy storage accelerate solar power adoption, and if so, how much?
How long will it take for solar power and battery storage to become commonplace for residential and commercial uses?
Image Credit: Ray Jones, Wiki Commons
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