EDF becomes a leader in battery storage in the UK with the acquisition of British start up Pivot Power

EDF becomes a become a leader in battery storage in the UK with the acquisition of British start up Pivot Power

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 4-Nov-2019 — /EuropaWire/ — EDF Group acquires battery storage and infrastructure for electric vehicle charging specialist, Pivot Power. EDF, already the largest low carbon electricity producer in the UK, becomes a leader in battery storage with this acquisition.

The British start up has an extensive portfolio of projects across more than 40 locations throughout the country. Now a wholly owned subsidiary of EDF Renewables, Pivot Power plans to install batteries connected directly to the high-voltage transmission system – with a total capacity of up to 2 GW. Already with land, planning and grid connection agreements in place, the first two storage projects at Kemsley (Kent) and Cowley (Oxford) are expected to be commissioned in 2020. Pivot Power will develop a private wire infrastructure to enable the development of mass rapid charging points across the UK, as well as other opportunities.

With the potential to host a battery capable of exporting 50 MW of power, each of Pivot Power’s projects can provide support for hundreds of rapid EV chargers, potentially suitable for large retail sites, logistics centres, bus depots and park and rides.

Battery storage integration in the electricity transmission grid 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.

The acquisition strengthens EDF’s plans of being the leader in Europe with 10 GW of additional storage by 2035. It 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 2022, the Group’s goal is to provide power for 600,000 electric vehicles and providing 75,000 charging points.

“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 new uses 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,” commented EDF Group’s Senior Executive Vice President, Renewable Energies and Chairman & CEO of EDF Renewables, Bruno Bensasson.

“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,” added EDF Energy CEO, Simone Rossi.

“Pivot Power’s purpose from the start has always been to accelerate the UK’s transition to a cost-effective, reliable, low-carbon energy system and in parallel fast-track the rapid adoption of clean transport. EDF Renewables shares our vision and of course brings the expertise, resources and platform to make this a reality,” said co-founder and CEO of Pivot Power, Matt Allen.

About EDF Renewables in the UK:
EDF Renewables in the UK operates 36 wind farms and battery storage unit (almost 1GW) that provides 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 the company has extended its Edinburgh office to accommodate around 60 new team members. EDF Renewables have more than 1 GW of renewables projects in planning and development and half of those are consented. EDF Renewables also have offices in Rainton Bridge near Durham and in London.

EDF Renewables is a joint venture between EDF Renouvelables and EDF Energy.

About Pivot Power:
Pivot Power aims 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.

For more information, please contact:

Analysts and investors
Phone: +33 (0) 1 40 42 40 38

Press Office
Phone: +33 (0) 1 40 42 46 37
service-de-presse@edf.fr

SOURCE: EDF