Energetix Will Supply Compressed-Air Systems to UK National Grid

Energetix Group, based in Chester, England, entered into a contract today with the National Grid to supply backup power using a compressed-air system. The technology will be used by the company to provide a switchyard in Capenhurst in Cheshire to operated by the National Grid.

Energetix Pnu Power systems will be used at the switchboard as part of a demonstration on relay and circuit breaker switching, which requires a very reliable system. The compressed-air energy storage units are being tested as an alternative to valve-regulated lead acid batteries. The compressed-air units are becoming more popular, because they require no chemicals and are considered a more reliable power source. 

Energetix had previously sold the technology on a trial basis to Telecom Italia, a telecom provider, but says also that utility switching could be the appropriate market for compressed-air energy. Compressed-air energy is ideal because it is a cost effective means of energy storage and, unlike lead acid batteries, can be exposed to extreme temperatures.

“This order, from the UK’s largest operator of such equipment, is an important step forward as Energetix Pnu Power commercializes its back-up power technology,” said Neil Bright, Operations Director of Energetix Group, to the press in a recent release.

After the deal was signed today, shares for the company’s stock went up more than 6% from the previous day’s trading. Compressed-air systems are becoming a more popular idea for energy storage, Tata Motors is currently exploring the technology for vehicles made in India, as well as the Scuderi Group using them for hybrid aircraft engines.

Thanks to guardian.co.uk for the above quote, for more information on this story please view their website.