Energy firm powers ahead with £1.18m EU grant

VOLTAGE optimisation and energy storage system Powerstar has been given a boost after an EU grant.

The Sheffield-based firm, Powerstar systems, manufactured by EMSc UK, has been awarded a €1.65m (£1.18m) grant from the EUs Horizon 2020 Innovation and Research Programme.

Powerstar was one of the 28 successful applicants out of 700 that applied.

The firm secured the funding as part of its energy storage project, which will result in a joint project between E.ON Energy, an unnamed “major” UK retailer and Warwick University.

In a first-of-its-kind project under the Powerstar Virtue division, they will commission a 3 megawatt installation at one of the retailer’s stores, which is intended to be entirely independent of the grid.

On-site renewable energy can be combined with the energy saved from the voltage optimisation system that is being installed, enabling the site to switch to stored energy at will.

Powerstar is also planning further expansion into the United States, as Powerstar Virtue makes headway in the American markets, signing three new

Dr. Alex Mardapittas, managing director of Powerstar said, “We are extremely pleased to have been awarded the funding it will be used towards the further development and commercialisation of Powerstar Virtue.

“Securing the funding justifies our decision to continually develop and evolve our technology solutions to meet changing market demands. We are very much looking forward to working with E.ON, major retailer and Warwick University on what will be an exciting project.”

Backed by the European Parliament, Horizon 2020 is meant to drive growth and create jobs.