Centrica has already developed over 85MW of solar in the UK. Image: Centrica.
Centrica Business Solutions has launched a new team to develop, build, manage and optimise a portfolio of grid-connected solar and battery assets.
To date, Centrica has completed over 85MW of solar projects in the UK, including a 4,000 panel project for the British Army at the Defence School of Transport near Beverley, Yorkshire.
The energy giant is targeting a portfolio of 650MW of solar farms by 2026, which its new launched Centrica Energy Assets will now develop.
Additionally, the company is looking to grow its battery portfolio over the same period, with an aspiration of hitting around 900MW of low carbon assets. The battery assets would be controlled using Centrica Business Solutions’ PowerRadar demand side response platform, which was acquired with the purchase of Belgian company REstore in 2017.
PowerRadar aggregates small, flexible generation loads to form a virtual power plant, allowing asset tp achieve maximum value across ancillary and wholesale markets, said Centrica. Additionally, Centrica Energy Marketing & Trading ensures a further route to market, and already manages around 20% of corporate power purchase agreements in Europe, the company said.
The creation of Centrica Energy Assets will help the energy giant reach it’s net zero by 2045 target helping to reduce the carbon content of the Centrica’s energy supply.
“In recent weeks, we’ve seen a commitment from Government to a green grid by 2035, but to achieve this it’s vital we build out the level of storage to help manage supply and demand,” said Greg McKenna, managing director of Centrica Business Solutions.
“This new team will invest in the technology that will help us reach that 2035 target and provide the back-up that ensures we can make best use of the renewable energy generated.”