The newest frequency service launched by the UK’s National Grid Electricity System Operator has gone live.

Construction has started on what will be the largest battery storage project in Belgium at 25MW/100MWh when completed later this year.

US virtual power plant project company Swell Energy has formed a partnership with electric mobility specialist Nuvve.

Standalone storage, demand from commercial and industrial (C&I) customers and new types of grid services will increasingly help drive growth in energy storage in the coming years, but the future mix between battery-based and alternative storage types is still unclear.

The EStor-Lux battery site in south Belgium fully launched commercial activity in December and has successfully participated in grid frequency auctions.

Optimisation deals have been announced for battery storage systems in the UK for Habitat Energy and Centrica with developers Eelpower and Arlington Energy respectively.

News in brief from a busy week for the UK’s energy storage industry.

A residential virtual power plant (VPP) pilot programme in Maryland will bid to participate in ancillary services in the PJM Interconnection wholesale market. 

A US$25 million virtual power plant (VPP) programme has been launched in Perth, Western Australia, while in the US, technology providers Enphase, Sunverge and LG have announced their involvement in VPPs in Arizona and California.