EDF Group, through its unit EDF Renewables UK, is set to acquire a British start-up called Pivot Power, specializing in battery storage and infrastructure for electric vehicle charging. This move will allow EDF, already the largest low carbon electricity producer in the UK, to become a leader in battery storage.

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

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

Battery storage and EV rapid charging infrastructure are two significant enablers for the UK’s goals to reach net-zero by 2050. Battery storage integration in the electricity transmission grid will also provide flexible capacity which will enhance the reliability of the network and boost the integration of renewable electricity. Providing nationwide connections to power rapid charging stations supports the uptake of electric vehicles instead of the internal combustion engine.

As part of the Electricity Storage Plan, this acquisition contributes to EDF’s target of being the leader in Europe with 10 GW of additional storage by 2035. The acquisition 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 this 2022 date, the Group’s goal is to provide power for 600,000 electric vehicles and providing 75,000 charging points.