The Commerciality of Energy Storage

Immersa was founded in 2016 by Robert Miles after he identified the need for energy storage to support renewable energy and give assistance to resolving the energy trilemma – that being secure, sustainable and affordable energy. Passionate about reducing carbon emissions and achieving a clean, sophisticated and adaptable energy economy, Immersa has developed 300MW of utility scale battery storage projects and delivered solar and storage projects to a multitude of different industries including local authorities, industrial and commercial clients and worked to develop numerous business models. Robert Miles is a qualified lawyer who has been involved in the solar industry for more than 13 years working throughout Europe and the UK. He has worked with large funds including Bluefield Infrastructure, Oxford Capital, Magnetar, and with Blue-Chip Industrial and Commercial clients such as Tata, Toyota, DS Smith, Mercedes, News UK and Associated British Ports. Robert has worked for several large organisations e.g. Conergy and Centrica - British Gas Solar, where he developed a scalable community energy model. He also has a strong background in procurement, leading negotiations that secured contracts of over £160m of revenue.

With a focus on the UK market, Robert explained the broken-down cost of power and the different levies that contribute to the same; the modelling of complimentary technologies for optimum technological and financial benefit; and the challenges when considering energy storage and renewable generation. He discussed how to make savings; generate revenues by balancing power; and the different contract arrangements available to do so. Using case studies of Tyram Lakes Hotel & Resort, China Fleet country club, and Project Rio, Robert illustrated the different models Immersa has used successfully. He has also worked on rural electrification in Malawi, Ghana, Central Africa, the Philipines, and projects in Saudi Arabia. Prompted by questions from the audience, a discussion was held on types of batteries, and ways of accessing the different schemes. The talk was chaired by Dr. Xiaoyi (Shawn) Mu.

(By Loyola Karobwa)