Anglian Water invest in AI controlled energy storage machine
Anglian Water has purchased a 60kW/300kWh redT energy storage machine to install alongside a 450kWp solar PV system at one of its water treatment works in Norfolk.
The redT machine can provide at least 5 hours of energy storage and does not degrade like conventional lithium or lead-acid batteries.
The machine will be fitted with Open Energi’s ‘Dynamic Demand 2.0’ software, which harnesses artificial intelligence to ‘optimise energy consumption and stack multiple demand-side value streams.’
This will enable the company to store excess solar generated during the day and use it at other times, which they say will reduce the site’s reliance on the grid and enable optimisation of a £77m energy bill, which is one of the company’s most significant operational costs.
The storage machine will enable Anglian Water to increase solar generation by 80% at the site in Norfolk from 248kWp to 450 kWp.
Anglian Water adds that the energy storage machine will provide real-time balancing services to take advantage of wholesale energy price arbitrage. They are predicting that the project will reduce site electricity costs by 50% per year by 2040.
Jason Tucker, Director of Alliances and Integrated Supply Chain at Anglian Water said: ‘We are very happy to be at the forefront of our industry by taking part in this ground-breaking project. This pathfinder integrates, rather than simply co-locates, storage and solar.
‘The approach will enable us to develop future-proof solutions for managing energy more flexibly and efficiently, whilst increasing resilience.
redT’s CEO, Scott McGregor said: ‘Our machines work alongside on-site generation to give businesses their own local energy infrastructure and create the environment for ‘baseload’ renewables, this system will allow Anglian to harness cheaper solar on site and increase generation from 248kWp to 450kWp.
‘Open Energi’s intelligent software means these assets can be flexibly managed to deliver the best possible outcome for businesses, cutting costs, creating revenue and making the most of renewable power generated on-site.’
The new energy storage machine is part of a 25-year programme of work for Anglian Water that they say will reduce CO2e emissions by 15,000 tonnes and increase renewables generation by approximately 25%, delivering annual savings in excess of £1m.
