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Batteries to revolutionise National Grid and EV charging

The world’s first and largest network of grid-scale batteries and rapid chargers are set to revolutionise power distribution across the UK and aid electric vehicle adoption, particularly for fleets.

45 sites across the UK have been chosen near towns and major routes for the installation of battery grid-storage

45 sites across the UK have been chosen near towns and major routes for the installation of battery grid-storage

A combined 2GW network of batteries will be installed across 45 sites at electricity sub stations across the country, connected directly to the extra-high voltage system. Each site will be home to 50MW battery installations, capable of storing enough electricity for 235,000 homes together.

Together, they can release or absorb the equivalent to two-thirds the planned power output of the Hinkley C nuclear power plant, helping to balance load requirements on the grid.

The sites will also support large-scale rapid charging stations that are set to become the largest network in the world.

Sites have been chosen near towns and major roads where they can power up to 100 rapid chargers capable of delivering 150kW, and will support 350kW rapid chargers when they come to the UK.

The battery installation is being undertaken by Pivot Power, which aims to have 10 sites operational within 18 months, with the first site operational as soon as the middle of 2019. The company says that each site will provide a hub that can support a variety of infrastructure, such as public rapid charging stations, electric bus depots and bases for large transport fleets.

CEO of Pivot Power, Matt Allen said: “We want to future-proof the UK’s energy system and accelerate the electric vehicle revolution, helping the UK to clean up its air and meet climate targets. Big problems require big solutions, and we are moving fast to put in place a unique network to support a clean, affordable, secure energy system and embrace the low-carbon economy.”

Furthermore, the company wishes to encourage fleets to go electric. Allen added: “We are keen to hear from anyone who shares our vision and wants to ‘go electric’, particularly partners with large fleets such as local authorities, supermarkets and logistics companies.”

The company believes the installation of grid-batteries and marge-scale rapid charge sites will alleviate the three biggest barriers to EV adoption as cited by the Department for Transport, including availability of charge points, distance travelled on a charge and cost.

Graeme Cooper, National Grid project director for electric vehicles, said: “We expect the use of electric vehicles to grow rapidly. This innovative solution will help accelerate adoption by providing a network of rapid charging stations across the country enabling cars to charge quickly, efficiently and as cost-effectively as possible.

“It will also give the system operator more choice and flexibility for managing the demands in the day-to-day running of the network and also help mass EV charging”.

Daniel Brown, EV lead at the Renewable Energy Association said: “Planning reforms, for example classing EV charging hubs as strategically important infrastructure and extending to them ‘code rights’ similar to those the telecoms industry receives, would help projects such as these move forward quickly.”

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Jonathan Musk

Jonathan turned to motoring journalism in 2013 having founded, edited and produced Autovolt - one of the UK's leading electric car publications. He has also written and produced books on both Ferrari and Hispano-Suiza, while working as an international graphic designer for the past 15 years. As the automotive industry moves towards electrification, Jonathan brings a near-unrivalled knowledge of EVs and hybrids to Fleet World Group.