The Anonymous Widower

Mercia Power Response & RheEnergise Working Together To Build Long Duration Energy Storage Projects In The UK

The title of this post, is the same as that as this news item from Mercia PR.

As it is from the 16th of August last year, I wonder why my Google Alert didn’t pick it up.

This is the sub-heading.

Mercia Power Response, a key provider of flexible power response services to the UK grid, has signed an agreement with RheEnergise to explore the potential deployment of RheEnergise’s new and innovative form of long-duration hydro-energy storage, known as High-Density Hydro® (HD Hydro).

These are the first three paragraphs.

Mercia Power Response, a key provider of flexible power response services to the UK grid, has signed an agreement with RheEnergise to explore the potential deployment of RheEnergise’s new and innovative form of long-duration hydro-energy storage, known as High-Density Hydro® (HD Hydro). Mercia Power Response (“Mercia PR”) and RheEnergise will work together to identify suitable sites for additional HD Hydro storage projects. The two companies’ initial focus will be the feasibility of getting 100MW of HD Hydro in commercial operation by 2030 by utilising Mercia PR’s existing grid connections.

With 40 sites having a combined capacity of 263MW and a number of sites under development and construction over the next 5-10 years, Mercia PR believes that RheEnergise’s HD Hydro storage technology would be a complementary, low carbon solution to its operating portfolio.

Additionally, Mercia PR’s industry partners bring market expertise in energy trading and forecasting, helping RheEnergise to optimise grid-connected energy storage projects.

Note.

  1. The average size of Mercia PR’s batteries would appear to be 6.5 MW.
  2. Working on the often-used two-hour duration, that would be a storage capacity of 13 MWh.
  3. I suspect some of Mercia PR’s sites will be more suitable for lithium-ion batteries and some will be more suitable for RheEnergise’s HD Hydro systems.
  4. I have witnessed local Nimbys objecting to lithium-ion systems on grounds of the fire risk.
  5. I am fairly sure, that the National Grid will be able to cope with both lithium-ion batteries and RheEnergise’s HD Hydro systems.
  6. I suspect Mercia PR’s industry partners, with their market expertise in energy trading and forecasting,  could turn a small wind or solar farm into a nice little earner.

This looks to be a good fit between two innovative companies.

May 4, 2024 Posted by | Energy, Energy Storage | , , , , , , | 1 Comment