Powerstar is pleased to announce a successful year for the company’s pioneering Virtue energy storage system, including the first commercial installation at a leading supermarket store.
Just ten months on from the official market launch in early 2015, the leading edge solution has experienced unparalled success.
In July, a successful application was submitted to the European Commission Horizon H2020 programme, to deliver a pilot project for a Powerstar Virtual Power Station (PVPS).
The project will see full integration of Powerstar Virtue with storage and a solar PV at a live commercial site. As a result of the successful application, funding of €1.66m will be provided by the European Commission under the SME Instrument (Phase II).
In November the exciting potential of Virtue was further showcased, when it was awarded the ‘overall winner’ at the European Utility Week, Product Innovation awards in Vienna, Virtue also scooped a category award in the ‘Grid and Renewable integration’ category.
The breakthrough solution is experiencing huge interest from the commercial sector, attracted by the significant savings, flexibility and reliability provided that Virtue can offer. Grid operators and utility companies alike will also benefit from being able to provide a more efficient and effective electrical network with increased stability and no interruptions.
It is predicted energy storage systems like Virtue will form an integral part in the development of Microgrids – in essence a Microgrid is a smaller version of an electricity grid, the main difference being they are powered by local energy sources that match power with local demand rather than national demand.
The improved financial viability of small-scale energy generation from wind, solar and fuel cells are making it easier to consider energy being delivered through Microgrids. They will also form an integral part in the relationship and integration of Smart Cities, where energy, water, transportation, public health and safety, as well as other key services, are managed in conjunction to support smooth operation of infrastructures while providing a clean, economic and safe environment in which communities can to live, work and play.
Research and development continues be a primary focus for Powerstar, as the energy market evolves and the viability for smart grids becomes a reality rather than a dream. Powerstar is making the necessary investments to create the capacity needed for smart grid energy storage, along with developing new smart off-grid technologies using the Virtue technology.
Dr Alex Mardapittas, managing director and inventor of Powerstar Virtue said, “Whilst the launch of Virtue has led to the company having an amazingly rewarding year, we are looking forward to 2016 with great anticipation as we will continue to launch new innovative solutions. The groundswell surrounding Smart Cities and the importance microgrids will play in the developing energy landscape will result in Virtue becoming a key enabling technology.”
