Coventry is to become the second city to host an Energy Superhub, as EDF starts work on a new 50MW battery.
The West Midlands city follows Oxford, which became the country’s first Superhub – an initiative aimed at integrating approaches to decarbonising power, heat and transport – in July. The 100MW/h battery EDF Renewables UK is developing will be capable of powering 100,000 homes for two hours. The lithium-ion battery, delivered by Wärtsilä, will be directly connected to the transmission network.
In addition to the battery, Energy Superhub Coventry will include an enhanced EV charging network.
Construction at the battery site commenced in August, with it expected to be live next year. Energy Superhub Coventry will replicate the core model that was rolled out by EDF Renewables UK in Oxford earlier this year and is one of up to 40 similar projects it is developing across the country.
Matthew Boulton, director of storage and private wire at EDF Renewables UK, said: “Transport and energy are the UK’s two most polluting sectors. Our Energy Superhub model helps to cut emissions from both at the same time, scaling up renewable energy and clean transport to accelerate a net zero future.
“Building on the foundation of the first Energy Superhub in Oxford, we are focused on applying the model to meet unique regional and local challenges. Coventry has long been at the forefront of transport innovation and our smart power infrastructure will deliver the capacity they need to lead the UK’s transition to electric mobility.”
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change at Coventry City Council, said: “Coventry has always been a city at the forefront of innovation, from leading the way in car manufacturing to driving the green industrial revolution today.
“We’re pleased to work with EDF Renewables UK, which will help power homes with cleaner energy, decarbonise transport and improve air quality. This will complement our plans for greener travel in the city, including Very Light Rail and our plans to completely electrify Coventry’s bus fleet by 2025.”