Pivot Power expands ‘Energy Superhub’ model across West Midlands
Pivot Power has partnered with global tech company Wärtsilä to deliver two new grid-scale battery storage facilities in Coventry and Sandwell.
The move aims to accelerate West Midlands’ drive to net-zero, with the new projects collectively providing 100MW/200MWh of battery storage – enough to power over 200,000 homes for two hours.
This is the latest phase of Pivot Power’s nationwide rollout of Energy Superhubs, designed to deliver up to 2GW of transmission-connected battery storage and high-volume power connections to support more renewables and create the power infrastructure for mass-scale, rapid electric vehicle charging.
The company is part of EDF Renewables and this project supports EDF group’s ambition to become Europe’s leading e-mobility energy company by 2023 and is a big step towards its plan to develop an additional 10GW of battery storage globally by 2035.
Wärtsilä will supply the battery technology for both West Midlands projects, with the new partnership with Pivot Power bringing the tech firm closer to its ambition of enabling a 100% clean energy system in the UK by providing grid flexibility.
Matt Allen, CEO of Pivot Power, said: “This is the next step in our nationwide rollout of Energy Superhubs which will create the low carbon infrastructure needed to support the EV and renewable energy revolution. As part of EDF Renewables, Pivot Power’s purpose is to accelerate a net zero future where clean energy powers our lives. We are working hand in hand with local authorities to help them meet their climate and clean air pledges, so people can live and work in cleaner, more sustainable cities.”
Andy Tang, vice president of energy storage & optimisation at Wärtsilä, said: “The UK recently set a bold ambition to slash carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 and flexibility is the key to achieving 100% renewables and decarbonising the economy. Our energy storage systems are helping leading innovators like Pivot Power turn these ambitions into reality. The enhanced flexibility this project will provide is precisely what we need to accelerate our cost-optimal pathway to 100% clean power.”
Pivot Power’s first project – Energy Superhub Oxford – is nearing completion and will provide a blueprint for towns and cities across the UK to cut carbon and improve air quality. It is backed by funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and integrates rapid EV charging, battery storage, low carbon heating and smart energy management technologies to save 10,000 tonnes of CO2 every year once opened. This is the equivalent to taking over 2,000 cars off the road, increasing to 25,000 tonnes by 2032.
