According to redT’s blog, the machines located at The Olde House, a 600 acre working farm and holiday retreat, situated in North Cornwall, will be used as a 'flexible platform' enabling the customer to utilize significantly more of its renewable solar onsite generation. The energy storage machine has a 25+ year asset life.
redT's machines will initially be used to create "firm solar" power by timeshifting excess solar generation produced during the day for use during peak times when electricity from the grid is most expensive. According to the company, this operation could save The Olde House up to 50% on grid imports during peak times. It will also create revenue by tracking and dynamically responding to changes in grid frequency and providing grid services such as; Short Term Operating Reserve (STOR), participation in the Capacity Market and Demand Turn Up.
Scott McGregor, CEO of redT energy, said, “We are very proud to be the first energy storage technology to be part of the Local Energy Market. The Olde House is a perfect example of how UK businesses can now utilize more of their renewable generation and make money supporting the electricity grid.”
The £19 million ($25 million) trial will test the role of flexible power generation and storage in up to 150 homes and businesses across the county with the aim of reducing pressure on the local grid while rewarding participants for being more flexible with their energy.
The 1MWh energy storage machines will be connected to The Olde House’s 250 KW solar array, which was installed in 2011 to provide power to the site. The solar panels also power an onsite electric vehicle charging station.
Centrica’s Program Director Matt Hastings, said, “We’re thrilled to be working with The Olde House and redT energy as the first participants in the trial. The Olde House team have already achieved so much in terms of developing their solar generation so it’s great to be helping them to take that next step to even greater independence through the installation of these new machines.”
The Local Energy Market team has been working to recruit homes and businesses to take part in the project since its launch in December of 2016 and has already carried out energy audits at 56 business sites.
