A fresh contender, Root-Power, backed by the YLEM Group, is making a significant entrance into the UK battery storage market.
With a robust pipeline of nearly 2 GW of battery storage projects strategically located across the nation, Root-Power is poised to become a leading player in the sector.
Massive Investment in Energy Storage
This launch signifies a substantial investment drive in battery energy storage systems (BESS). Over 700 MW of storage capacity has already been submitted for planning approval, with an additional 850 MW in the pipeline, underscoring Root-Power’s commitment to the market.
Root-Power’s strategic plan outlines an ambitious trajectory. The company aims to bring 150 MW of storage online in 2024/2025, with a further 1.5 GW of projects earmarked for rapid development in the coming years.
Supporting the Grid with Strategic Projects
Root-Power already has more than 15 planning applications in progress. Notably, two proposals in Yorkshire and County Durham will contribute a combined 100 MW of storage, while projects in Perth and Dounreay, Scotland, will add 74 MW to support the grid. This is particularly crucial for Scotland, which in 2022 generated a surplus of renewable electricity.
These projects underscore Root-Power’s capability to facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources into the UK’s energy mix. Battery storage is pivotal in maintaining grid stability, mitigating the risk of blackouts by providing instant backup power during fluctuations in supply or demand.
Experienced Leadership at the Helm
Root-Power benefits from the expertise of its sister company, YLEM Energy, a seasoned player in the energy sector for over 30 years. YLEM Energy has a proven track record of assisting businesses in reducing energy costs and supporting the grid with gas peaking and battery storage sites.
Leading Root-Power is Managing Director Neil Brooks, a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the energy sector. Brooks has spearheaded the development and delivery of over 1 GW of major projects across the UK, spanning onshore wind to battery energy storage. His expertise encompasses engineering design, procurement, negotiation, and project execution.
Brooks’ Vision for Root-Power
Brooks expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Despite being a new name in the sector, we’ve been preparing for this day for several years now, and the team we’ve assembled is best in class. We have the platform and resources to quickly establish ourselves as leaders in the battery storage space.
Drawing on YLEM Energy’s experience, we’ve got a unique blend of skills in house to originate, develop, construct and operate and maintain all our assets to the highest standards, maximising their value and generating huge opportunities for growth.”
Promoting the Value of Battery Storage
With the ongoing transition to a renewable energy landscape, batteries emerge as the most adaptable asset for stabilizing the intermittent nature of power generation. Root-Power is committed to advocating for the value of BESS in the energy transition, raising consumer awareness, and pushing for planning reforms to accelerate its adoption.