EDF Group is announcing the acquisition of a British start up called Pivot Power, specialising in battery storage and infrastructure for electric vehicle charging. This move will allow EDF, already the largest low carbon electricity producer in the UK, to become a leader in battery storage.
Now a wholly owned subsidiary of EDF Renewables, Pivot Power has an extensive portfolio of projects across more than 40 locationsthroughout the country. There are plans to install batteries connected directly to the high-voltage transmission system – with a total capacity of up to 2 GW. The first two storage projects at Kemsley (Kent) and Cowley (Oxford) have land, planning and grid connection agreements in place and are expected to be commissioned in 2020. As part of its projects, Pivot Power will develop a private wire infrastructure to enable, among other opportunities, the development of mass rapid charging points across the UK.
Each of Pivot Power’s projects has the potential to host a battery capable of exporting 50 MW of power and to provide support for hundreds of rapid EV chargers, potentially suitable for large retail sites, logistics centres, bus depots and park and rides.
Battery storage and EV rapid charging infrastructure are two significant enablers for the UK’s goals to reach net zero by 2050. Battery storage integration in the electricity transmission grid will also provide flexible capacity which will enhance the reliability of the network and boost the integration of renewable electricity. Providing the nationwide connections to power rapid charging stations supports the uptake of electric vehicles instead of the internal combustion engine.
As part of the Electricity Storage Plan, this acquisition contributes to EDF’s target of being the leader in Europe with 10 GW of additional storage by 2035. The acquisition is also in line with the EDF Electric Mobility Plan, to become the leading electric mobility company by 2022 in the UK, France, Italy and Belgium. Beyond this 2022 date, the Group’s goal is to provide power for 600,000 electric vehicles and providing 75,000 charging points.
Bruno Bensasson, EDF Group’s Senior Executive Vice President, Renewable Energies and Chairman & CEO of EDF Renewables, said: “Following PowerFlex Systems recent acquisition in the United States, this new acquisition of smart electricity storage and electric vehicle charging systems player is strengthening our expertise globally. Thanks to the skills developed within this specific field of electricity, the Pivot Power team will be a great addition to EDF. This is another positive step in the rollout of the Group’s Electricity Storage and Mobility Plans.”
Simone Rossi, EDF Energy CEO said: “Battery storage and electric vehicles are two key technologies which will help lower carbon emissions, alongside generation from renewables and nuclear. The acquisition of Pivot Power shows EDF is investing in a wide range of projects to deliver the huge shift to low carbon energy the UK will need to reach net zero by 2050.”
About EDF Renewables in the UK:
EDF Renewables in the UK is bringing down costs for consumers and bringing significant benefits for communities.
With our operating portfolio of 36 wind farms and battery storage unit (almost 1GW) we are providing some of the much needed new affordable, low carbon electricity to the UK.
Work is well underway on the 450 MW Neart Na Gaoithe offshore wind farm project which is in the Firth of Forth and we’ve extended our Edinburgh office to accommodate around 60 new team members.
We have more than 1 GW of renewables projects in planning and development and half of those are consented. We also have offices in Rainton Bridge near Durham and in London.
EDF Renewables is a joint venture between EDF Renouvelables and EDF Energy.
Find our more at www.edf-re.uk
About Pivot Power:
Pivot Power is set up to develop and operate grid-scale batteries and provide power infrastructure required for EV charging throughout the UK.
Its dual mission is to support an energy system that is clean, affordable and secure by providing valuable flexibility, and to accelerate the EV revolution by creating a nationwide private wire network to operators of rapid charging that is low-cost, rapid and scalable. Pivot Power is now a wholly owned subsidiary of EDF Renewables UK.
Find out more at www.pivot-power.co.uk
