- PRESS RELEASE -
Expected to Begin Operations by the End of 2015
Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, 20 July 2015 – AES announced today that it has begun construction of its first advanced, battery-based energy storage facility in the United Kingdom. The Kilroot AdvancionTM Energy Storage Array will provide 10 MW of interconnected energy storage, equivalent to 20 MW of flexible resource. The array is expected to begin operations by the end of 2015.
“We are excited to begin construction of AES’ first energy storage project in the UK, bringing enhanced reliability, flexibility and efficiency to the grid,” said Roger Casement, AES UK & Ireland Plant Manager. “We’re proud to offer Northern Ireland a cost-effective and cutting-edge solution for supporting security of supply and modernising our infrastructure.”
The development demonstrates a mix of international investment and energy expertise, alongside UK engineering and electrical skills. All installation work will be delivered by firms from Northern Ireland.
The Kilroot array will help balance supply and demand and support the all island transmission grid via system operator, SONI. The Advancion array will also enhance power supply, enable more efficient dispatch of existing generation assets, and increase the ability to integrate renewable power sources.
Mid & East Antrim Borough Council’s Mayor, Councillor Billy Ashe, emphasised the potential to go beyond this first 10 MW installation. “The 10 MW installation will be built using local firms, as well as the expertise of Kilroot. The skills currently being developed by people in Mid & East Antrim can create a positive economic impact for the area as the UK and Ireland realise the benefits of energy storage for security of supply and lowering carbon emissions.”
The Balance of Plant contract was awarded to Belfast-based Scotts Electrical Services, who are using a variety of subcontractors from across Northern Ireland. Technical drawings, project management and health, safety and environmental oversight will come from Project Design Engineers Ltd, a company from Antrim. Switchboard manufacturing will be undertaken by R&R Electrical Engineering from Newtonwards. Carrickfergus based WC Anthony will provide all civil construction services. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning has been procured from AirCon in Belfast.
Gordon Nixon, Managing Director of Scotts Electrical, welcomed a new outlet for the local firms’ skills. “Thanks to our past experience and our appetite for developing new capabilities, we have expertise in all kinds of electrical services but on the most fundamental level, what we do is help the world around us to function. Energy storage is an innovative technology, which could play an important role in Northern Ireland’s energy future and we’re proud to be installing the most significant project to-date on these islands.”
AES’ Advancion solution is built with pre-qualified battery technology from best-in-class suppliers and incorporates AES’ eight years of commercial experience with advanced energy storage and more than 30 years of experience in serving utilities around the world. Advancion is continuously available, without burning fuel, and is designed as a scalable resource, offering the ability to grow over time to meet future power needs.
Globally, AES has 86 MW of energy storage projects in commercial operation and has announced 260 MW of interconnected battery-based storage, equivalent to 520 MW of flexible power resource, in construction or late-stage development. AES’ other project plans in Europe include 10 MW of interconnected storage in the Netherlands, expected on-line this year.
About AES UK & Ireland
AES UK & Ireland is the owner and operator of Ballylumford and Kilroot Power Stations in Northern Ireland. AES has operated in Northern Ireland since 1992. AES won the 2015 Allianz Arts & Business 2015 Business of the Year, and is the only company to achieve silver accreditation in Business in the Community NI’s CORE corporate sustainability certification. To learn more, please visit @aes_ukireland on Twitter.
About AES
The AES Corporation (NYSE:AES) is a Fortune 200 global power company. We provide affordable, sustainable energy to 18 countries through our diverse portfolio of distribution businesses as well as thermal and renewable generation facilities. Our workforce of 18,500 people is committed to operational excellence and meeting the world’s changing power needs. Our 2014 revenues were $17 billion and we own and manage $39 billion in total assets. To learn more, please visit www.aes.com. Follow AES on Twitter @TheAESCorp.
Safe Harbor Disclosure
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those related to future earnings, growth and financial and operating performance. Forward-looking statements are not intended to be a guarantee of future results, but instead constitute AES’ current expectations based on reasonable assumptions. Forecasted financial information is based on certain material assumptions. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, our accurate projections of future interest rates, commodity price and foreign currency pricing, continued normal levels of operating performance and electricity volume at our distribution companies and operational performance at our generation businesses consistent with historical levels, as well as achievements of planned productivity improvements and incremental growth investments at normalized investment levels and rates of return consistent with prior experience.
Actual results could differ materially from those projected in our forward-looking statements due to risks, uncertainties and other factors. Important factors that could affect actual results are discussed in AES’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including, but not limited to, the risks discussed under Item 1A “Risk Factors” and Item 7: Management’s Discussion & Analysis in AES’ 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in subsequent reports filed with the SEC. Readers are encouraged to read AES’ filings to learn more about the risk factors associated with AES’ business. AES undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Any Stockholder who desires a copy of the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K dated on or about February 25, 2015 with the SEC may obtain a copy (excluding Exhibits) without charge by addressing a request to the Office of the Corporate Secretary, The AES Corporation, 4300 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22203. Exhibits also may be requested, but a charge equal to the reproduction cost thereof will be made. A copy of the Form 10-K may be obtained by visiting the Company’s website at www.aes.com.
