Decarbonisation of the world’s energy system is needed to reduce CO2 emissions, ensure energy security and increase sustainability of the world’s natural resources. Renewable energy generation technologies such as solar PV and wind can be used a low carbon alternative. However, the use of these less predictable intermittent renewable technologies can lead to grid instability. As more renewables are connected to the system in line with EU legislation, this will become a critical problem throughout the EU. Grid scale energy storage technologies which can be used to store excess power for times of low generation can mitigate the problem, ensuring a balanced supply of power and utilisation the maximum renewable energy generation capacity. The project will leverage two existing energy storage pilot sites to demonstrate the performance of a European manufactured adaptive-flywheel on the Irish and UK transmission grids. During the project, Schwungrad Energie, Adaptive Balancing Power, University of Sheffield and Freqcon will develop an adaptive flywheel battery hybrid energy storage system for dynamic grid stabilisation for initial deployment within both test grid systems prior to EU commercialisation. The demonstration of its functionality in both grids increases the technology readiness level (TRL) of the adaptive flywheel battery hybrid energy storage system from TRL 6 to TRL 8, which allows commercial application and is a requirement for scaling up of the technology post project. As of 2020, similar dynamic grid stabilisation measures will be needed in the EU as well as in global grids in the medium term. This project gives the consortium a stable foundation to access the dynamic grid stabilisation market on a global scale. This will increase the revenue of all EU based SME’s involved in the project, allow the creation of IP and give a return on investment based on partner profit and EU project contribution of 1183% by 2025.

In recent years, the energy transition towards renewables has significantly accelerated. Germany is shutting down nuclear power plants and the fate of coal-fired power plants has been determined by the climate agreement in Paris. In short - fossil fuels will be replaced by renewable technologies. This is in line with the Renewable Energy Directive, that requires the EU to provide 27% of its energy generation from renewables by 2030. Adaptive has developed a unique energy storage solution offering a short-term, high-power output. This has been identified as the most efficient way to stabilize the power grids. Transmission system operators need the flywheel to find a balance between energy generation and consumption. This allows electricity grids to operate without conventional power plants while keeping the grid stable. This project will investigate the business cases for dynamic grid balancing with the innovative and adaptive flywheel by questioning key stakeholders in several markets. The flywheel is modular and offers unparalleled configurability in terms of power to energy ratio, which makes it the first dynamic energy storage system whose discharge duration can be matched exactly to the customer’s needs. After the feasibility assessment, Adaptive will apply for Phase 2 funding to build a pilot installation outside of Central Europe. This enables the company to further scale up its business and increase its revenue while allowing the creation of new jobs along the supply chain and providing a high return to the EU economy. In addition to that, it allows for a global reduction of CO2-emissions by increasing the permissible share of renewable energy in electricity grids.