Electricity and Control February 2023

ENERGY MANAGEMENT + THE INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT : PROJECTS, PRODUCTS + SERVICES

Battery energy storage and energy management solutions

Continued from page 19 ElectroMechanica (EM) and Freedom Won (FW) have formed a strategic alliance which will see them sharing their respective strengths to serve customers in the en ergy management and battery energy storage systems market. EM, established in 1984, is a leading distributor of electrical switchgear and solutions for automation and energy management. FW, the first to market with lithium energy storage technology in 2010, is an original equipment manufacturer of battery energy storage systems. Both companies, headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, have operations in the SADC region and beyond. In addition to the newly formed strategic alliance, the two companies share a common group holding company. Energy efficiency, storage and management are critical to navigating the energy crisis and transitioning to sustainable generation technologies. FW was one of the first companies globally to pioneer the engineering design and commercialisation of manufacturing and production of lithium-based energy storage systems. The company continues to be a leader in the energy storage industry, producing systems suitable for home, commercial and industrial applications. EM has a long established service and partner network throughout the SADC region and has been delivering energy and power technologies to the market for decades with a focus on providing services to customers anywhere in the region within 24 hours. Under the strategic alliance, EM will provide account management and selected engineering and field services to FW’s customers. The intention is to provide technical services such as repairs and training from EM’s branch network during 2023. FW has an established route to market with long-standing distribution and integration up. Our storage facility in Sundon marks a key milestone for the UK as we lay the foundation for net zero.” Wärtsilä will provide its proprietary GridSolv Quantum system and GEMS Digital Energy Platform, as well as the power conversion system and commissioning for the project. GEMS provides the data and insights to instruct trading parties and track performance for comprehen sive asset management. The energy storage technology will enable balancing services for the UK grid, including electricity market trading and frequency response, with the capability to support local consumers such as EV charging stations during grid outages. Jens Norrgård, Energy Business Director, Europe, at Wärtsilä Energy, said: “This contract strengthens Wärtsilä and EDF Renewables’ partnership and demonstrates our joint commitment to supporting the UK’s decarbonisation efforts. Net zero power systems can unlock significant reductions in emissions and costs, and the UK is pio

Installation of a Freedom Won Lite battery. partners with a strong offering in renewables and energy storage. EM will not be distributing or stocking FW’s products as there is no need to add to the existing distribution network. The primary purpose of the alliance is to serve the SADC market with the products and services needed to overcome the energy crisis and accelerate the transition to sustainable energy technologies. FW will continue to invest in engineering research and design resources to develop leading energy storage technologies. At the same time, EM, leveraging its extensive branch and service network throughout the Southern African Development Community, will service channel partners and end users with a complementary range of energy efficiency and energy management solutions. For more information contact ElectroMechanica. Tel: +27 (0)11 249 5099 Email: info@em.co.za Visit: www.em.co.za neering this transition with world-leading renewable en ergy targets. Wärtsilä’s energy storage technology is an important part of the mosaic of flexible capacity needed to balance renewable energy. Alongside our other pro jects, Sundon is delivering on our global ambition to cre ate clean power systems.” Wärtsilä’s installed energy storage technology base in the UK now exceeds 424 MWh. Previous projects with EDF Renewables (formerly Pivot Power) in Oxford and Kemsley in Kent were delivered in 2021, and two projects in Birmingham and Coventry are currently un der construction. Wärtsilä has also delivered a number of other energy storage projects in the UK, including a 50 MW / 100 MWh project first site for SSE in Salisbury and an islanded-grid project to balance renewables in Lerwick, on the Shetland Islands. Or FreedomWon. Tel: +27 (0)10 597 7794 Email: enquiries@freedomwon.co.za Visit: www.freedomwon.co.za

For more information visit: https://www.wartsila.com/energy

20 Electricity + Control FEBRUARY 2023