Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has partnered with Wykes Engineering Ltd to create one of the largest energy storage systems in the UK.

The move creates a sustainable solution for the growing number of EV batteries produced to meet the demand for electric mobility.

By taking second-life Jaguar I-PACE batteries when they are past their EV use, JLR are able to group multiple batteries together to form an innovative storage system.

Battery storage is used to hold excess power during off peak times and then using it to feed the grid when there is increased demand for energy.

As a result of the high standards required to run an EV battery, the majority of batteries still hold a 70%  – 80% residual capacity. This means they still have plenty of life and use left to benefit the wider public.

Whilst still in its early stages, the storage system can hold enough energy to power 250 homes (2.5MWh) but by the end of 2023 this figure is expected to triple to 750 (7.5MWh).

Energy storage is vital for the country as we continue the push towards net zero. One of the main limitations of renewable energy is it cannot be stored as easily as fossil fuels  – but with solutions such as this, it will only be a matter of time before that gap is narrowed.

David Wykes, Managing Director of Wykes Engineering said:

“One of the major benefits of the system we’ve developed is that the containers are connected to the Grid in such a way that they can absorb solar energy that could otherwise be lost when the grid reaches capacity.”

According to the International Trade Administration, more than 16.1GW of battery storage capacity is currently operating, under construction or in the pipeline across the UK.