Issue link: https://fhpublishing.uberflip.com/i/1003889
NETWORK / 33 / JULY/AUGUST 2018 spare capacity for ve or 10 EV chargers. Existing infrastructure cannot cope with mass EV charging." MA: "This is where Pivot Power comes in. By connecting directly to the transmission network at National Grid substations, we have access to enough power to supply thousands of EV chargers, avoiding the fundamental issues Mike highlighted. By positioning our 'superhubs' near highways on the edge of towns, they will serve as 'fast- ll petrol stations' for the residents of the town who cannot easily charge at home, or who simply don't have time as well as passers-by and tourists." MB: "Let's look at infrastructure for low- carbon energy generation too. Renewable energy generation needs to grow signi - cantly in order to meet the UK's decarboni- sation targets and grid ˆ exibility will be crucial in achieving these objectives." MC: "With the onset of subsidy free solar and other lower cost renewable sources at scale, the electricity system needs very ˆ exible energy assets to help balance these intermittent sources. Battery systems have become the cheapest commercially viable asset to provide these services and compli- ment the grid mix in a post-coal future. The alternative might be to build gas power stations which alone cannot be the long term solution if we are to keep the global temperature rise within two degrees." MA: "It's really important to think about who would pay for that too. The cost of building extra infrastructure like gas tur- Could you draw a comparison to installations in other countries? MA: "We've seen a dramatic uptake in EV deployment across Europe, particularly in Norway and the Netherlands. Both success stories were enabled by a clear commitment from government to deploy the necessary charging infrastructure to move the market forward." MC: "Yes, and we aim to achieve the same for the UK. However, instead of establishing an energy storage network and then install- ing EV charging infrastructure, we hope to do both at a world-leading pace." What do local authorities stand to gain from the battery installations? MA: "Climate change is making countries around the world rethink how they source their energy and how they power their transport. Local councils are being tasked with spearheading many of these changes and we think we can help." MB: "Each area with a Pivot Power battery will nd itself at the forefront of the smart energy revolution. Close collaboration with local authorities will ensure that we build the right infrastructure in the right place to make it easy for drivers, businesses and public services to switch to electric vehicles, bene ting the climate, air quality and the economy." MA: "These 'superhubs' will bring massive bene ts to the local area, with direct rel- evance to the council's infrastructure plans – a Park and Ride or bus depot for example. By bringing su" cient charging capacity to these locations, we can support councils in mandating electric-only buses and taxis in the area. Suddenly, air quality targets will be in reach, safeguarding public health. The plans, in turn, could stimulate the local economy. Not only will living stand- ards rise but the EV charging hubs will pre- sent a number of commercial opportunities that will create jobs and attract business." MC: "Exactly. We have said from the start that we aim to future-proof the UK's energy system, ready for mass EV uptake. You could also say that we are future-proo ng the UK economy, ready for the low-carbon era. As well as supporting EV charging, our batteries will enable more renewable energy to be generated onto the electricity system." How will this help take pressure off existing infrastructure? MC: "So the UK is currently not wired to make EV adoption easy - there simply isn't enough copper in the ground. Each street will typically have enough spare power for only a few domestic EV chargers. An o" ce building will typically only have enough bines would be footed by electricity bill pay- ers. Instead, Pivot Power o— ers a solution that takes the load o— customers through a more e" cient solution. Our batteries o— er a commercially viable ˆ exible energy source with a range of rev- enue streams. The batteries will earn money by providing services to the National Grid and selling electricity to EV drivers. They could also sell services to local commercial sites, for example retail parks, supermarket car parks or logistics hubs." How quickly might the roll-out hap- pen? What are the timescales? MA: "Depending on planning, we hope Pivot Power's rst site in Southampton will be operational by mid 2019, with an ad- ditional nine sites completed over the next 24 months. The full 45 sites will be installed over the next ve years. The exact pace of this process will be inˆ uenced by the rate of EV uptake and the National Grid's demand for balancing services." What is Pivot Power's vision for the future beyond the fi ve year fi rst phase? MA: "Once our initial 45 sites are installed there will be no pausing for breath. By that point we will be well on our way towards addressing the challenges of social mobility when it comes to accessing clean, reliable and safe energy. Appetite for EVs will o— er potential for new market expansion, devel- opment of our energy trading capabilities, super-hub retail parks… and lots more."¡ THE POWER DRIVING CHANGE CONNECTION APPLICATIONS