Energy storage solutions set for trials at Harwell

Three new technologies will be proved at a battery energy storage system to be integrated with the Science and Engineering Facilities Council’s (STFC) solar array at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus.

AMTE's sodium-ion battery module will be demonstrated using Brill Power’s battery intelligence technology and Stark Energy's energy management system, which links stored energy into the electricity grid. This is the first time that these technologies are being deployed in a commercially relevant project.

“STFC is delighted to host and support the project via site access, installation, operational access and maintenance,” said Emma Southwell-Sander from STFC and manager of the EnergyTec Cluster at Harwell Campus. “This is a prime example of how, through the Net Zero Living Laboratory, Harwell’s EnergyTec cluster is facilitating access to young innovative businesses to a wealth of resources to supercharge their route to market.”

Energy storage installations globally are expected to reach 1,028GWh by the end of 2030, and in the UK energy storage projects that have planning approved will reach a cumulative 10.5GW capacity. Seen as critical to support the growing demand for renewable solar and wind-led energy, energy storage will reduce peak power loads on the grid, which will be increasingly important as electric vehicles become mainstream.