A spin-out from electric vehicle research specialists Future Transport Systems, Newcastle-based Connected Energy saw an opportunity to reuse battery packs from electric vehicles in commercial and large-scale energy storage systems.
Its world-first E-STOR system has placed the company as pioneers of the circular economy in relation to energy storage technology, capitalising on a long-term relationship with Renault. The car company’s depleted electric vehicle batteries are repurposed into stationary energy storage units that have a range of applications.
With the UK’s focus shifting from large-scale gas and coal plants to a decentralised network of generation and storage, the energy landscape is changing. New market entrants and established players alike must be compliant with the latest G99 standards, which come into effect this year, to be connected to the grid.
Through the Catapult’s Grid Connection Support Series, Connected Energy was able to access expert advice around E-STOR’s grid compliance. The company worked with grid specialists Narec Distributed Energy to achieve G99 compliance, incorporating system design adaptations at an early stage. These changes would have had recurring cost implications had they not been made early on, demonstrating the importance of early engagement. Connected Energy is in line to reduce installation cost and time.
Having secured compliance with the help of the Catapult and Narec DE, the in-demand E-STOR can integrate with our modern grid more effectively, making it a more competitive cog in the future smart energy system.
The Grid Connection Support Series helped Connected Energy to access expert advice around E-STOR’s grid compliance”
In June 2019, Connected Energy secured a £5 million investment from global firms to boost its ongoing growth.
Sumitomo Corporation, ENGIE and Macquarie Group contributed to the investment, which will provide Connected Energy with a platform to deliver its next phase of planned international expansion, building E-STOR’s presence in the UK and Europe.
“The time is now right for us to scale up the business,” says CEO Matthew Lumsden, “and the investment will enable us to do so.
“We have some exciting times and projects ahead of us and look forward to further capturing the benefits of the circular economy.
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