First Bus prepares new grid-supporting energy storage sites
Public transport operator First Bus is set to open new large-scale energy storage sites that will help keep its electric buses moving and support the National Grid.
The first site in Hoeford, Hampshire will begin operation in September, with work on a second, even larger facility in Aberdeen set to before the end of 2025.
The sites will use batteries, including end-of-life units from electric buses, to store electricity which can then be used to charge some of its 1,200-plus electric buses. They will also be connected to the National Grid and capable of feeding surplus electricity back into the system at times of high demand.
The Hoeford depot site will have the capability to store up to one megawatt of power – enough to power 125 homes for an entire day. The Aberdeen site will offer even greater storage capacity and First Bus says it is already exploring installing similar systems at more of its depots.
The technology behind the new storage systems has been developed by Palmer Energy Technology (PETL), in which FirstGroup has recently invested. The battery energy storage specialist was set up by former Aston Martin boss Dr Andy Palmer, who said: “With buses at the forefront of the transition to electric vehicles and net-zero transportation, I’m delighted to welcome investment from FirstGroup Energy, as well as Barclays and Oxford University, to advance development of next generation control systems. This will allow us to accelerate our business and give the UK a leading position in battery energy storage system technology.”
Faizan Muhammad, FirstGroup’s investment director for energy, said: “This investment continues our strategy of backing new and innovative companies aimed at supporting our long-term public commitment of achieving a zero-emission commercial bus fleet by 2035. We’re really excited about this new chapter in our decarbonisation journey and look forward to working closely with PETL to continue developing this technology.”
First Bus has committed to a net zero commercial bus fleet by 2035. It has already electrified more than a dozen of its depots and replaced more than 1,200 diesel buses with electric models.
