NEWS
Centrica to build its largest battery storage project to date
Centrica Business Solutions has secured the development rights to a 65MW two-hour battery storage plant in Perthshire, Scotland, its largest battery storage acquisition to date.
The site in Abernethy is located near a connection for North Sea offshore wind farms and will help manage grid capacity by charging when demand for power is low, and discharging when demand is at its highest. Once connected to the grid in 2028, the 65MW two-hour battery will be able to store enough electricity to power 130,000 homes for an hour – the equivalent to a town the size of Aberdeen. The discharge could happen up to four times a day. Capturing and storing energy for use when and where it’s needed will play an essential role in improving the UK’s energy security and maximising
the potential of offshore wind farms in the North Sea. The project forms part of Centrica’s plan to deliver 1GW of low carbon energy assets and will join the 30MW battery storage plant in Aberdeenshire – which is set to go live in mid-2024. Gregory McKenna, managing director at Centrica Business Solutions, said: “The new battery storage site is our biggest project to date, and demonstrates our long-term commitment to improving the energy independence of the UK. “If the country wants to achieve a reliable, secure and decarbonised power system, then battery storage sites must be the rule rather than the exception. Storing energy at times of surplus to keep the lights on during times of peak demand will be key to delivering on these ambitious targets. “However, the five-year wait for a connection date shines a light on the challenges renewable energy projects like this continue to face with the grid being totally constrained. To keep the Net Zero transition on track, it’s important that we work to speed up grid connections and avoid further delays to new and existing projects.”
35 years and counting
This year sees GEZE UK, specialist in door and window control systems celebrate 35 years in business. Formed in 1988, GEZE UK was a subsidiary established by German parent company, GEZE GmbH. Based in Chelmsford, Essex, the company started trading mainly in the distribution of door closer products.
A new division was later set up in 1997, in
Tamworth, and continued growth led to the opening of new purpose-built premises at Fradley Park in Lichfield, Staffordshire. Seven service offices were later established across the country. Kaz Spiewakowski, managing director of GEZE UK, said: “During my 10 years at GEZE UK I have seen many changes and challenges including Brexit, the Covid pandemic and a recent cyber-attack. As a company we have shown fantastic resilience and the ability to all pull together in difficult circumstances.”
Wilo powers ahead with green hydrogen transition
With green hydrogen emerging as a leading energy source of the future for industry, Wilo is showing how to harness this energy with its H2Powerplant, an operating plant in a ‘world-first’ live production environment. The first ever green hydrogen solution of its kind to
be brought to market, the H2Powerplant proves the concept of power independence and generation in a decentralised way. Already in operation at Wilo’s German headquarters, Wilopark in Dortmund, it is a step-change for moving the dial on green hydrogen production – with only 1% of the world’s current hydrogen classed as ‘green’ according to IRENA. Now proven in its operation, the system will be rolled out to all Wilo locations and is also available to the market in a modular arrangement for varying power demands. The product that will now go to market is available in four different sizes that will be able to generate power equal to the annual demand of either three, five, or 20 households. The system uses electrolysis to convert renewable energy generated from solar, wind and hydropower into green hydrogen. When it’s needed, a fuel cell can then be used to convert the hydrogen back into electrical energy and the waste heat is either used in the interconnected system for heating, stored or converted into cooling on site. This system can also be used to support new and/or existing combined heat and power (CHP) systems that have been designed to work with a blended hydrogen mix, meaning it also has the potential for retrofit applications.
Dave Williamson, sales and marketing director at Wilo UK, said: “Green hydrogen is fundamental for achieving the climate protection goals agreed in Paris. Ultimately, this game-changing technology will enable companies to accelerate the migration to clean energy from existing infrastructure without having to start from scratch. “For example, companies using gas or CHP systems that will operate with a blended gas mix that can utilise hydrogen from the H2Powerplant and reduce carbon emissions within existing infrastructure. Wilo has already received enquiries from world-leading large energy users in the UK, wanting to implement the H2Powerplant as part of their own net zero strategies and when bidding for major sustainability-driven tenders.” The first pilot project for H2Powerplant was approved in May 2022 which saw Wilo and various industry partners design and build the first functioning system at Wilopark in Dortmund.
Initially the intention was to use the plant as an
emergency power supply, but as the project evolved, greater power potential was realised within the solution. It went on to power much more across the site, including lighting, the EV charging system and part of the heating. Construction took place from July 2022 and the system was commissioned and inaugurated on 9 September 2022. The grand opening of the H2Powerplant took place during the international industry conference at the Wilopark in Dortmund.
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Aug23.indd 1 13/7/23 12:31 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER AUGUST 2023 5
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