06.03.20
First 'virtual power station' to be rolled out in London
A ground-breaking trial is being rolled out in London using household batteries to support the electricity grid.
The revolutionary ‘virtual power station’ will help to manage demands during peak winter periods and reduce carbon emissions across the capital, following a successful pilot.
45 households have been paid to store energy in batteries by the UK Power Networks, allowing the operator to draw on it in times of high demand.
The trial was met with huge success, with a 60% reduction in household evening peak electricity demand and contributed to a carbon emission cut from electricity by 20% for average households.
The pioneering scheme allows homeowners to buy electricity when its at its cheapest and store it for use when grid prices are more expensive.
Energy and Clean Growth Minister Kwasi Kwarteng said:
“The UK has already cut emissions by almost 45% since 1990, while growing our economy by more than 3 quarters. This cutting-edge battery technology, being made right here in London, will help create a smarter, cleaner energy system for the UK.
“These smart batteries are part of the UK’s green revolution, with the government investing more than £3 billion in low carbon innovation, as we aim to end our contribution to climate change entirely by 2050.”
The government backed company, Powervault, responsible for the battery system is working on its second commercial contract in south London.
By working with energy suppliers and electricity network operators to reduce fossil fuel dependency, Powervault is helping to enable the UK’s transition to a decentralised low-carbon energy network.
Artificial Intelligence is used in the batteries to monitor and optimise home electricity use, avoiding the need to dig up or replace cables.
Clean energy from the solar panels can be stored and sold back to energy companies using new export tariffs. Owners will also be compensated for storing renewable energy from the grid when there’s an excess.
A study by the Imperial College estimates that this type of electricity solution could save the UK between £17bn and £40bn by 2050.