Fast, low-cost, localised energy has arrived with the launch of Eclipse Power Optimise

New microgrids and private networks service from Eclipse Power reduces connection delays and costs

Eclipse Power has launched a new business unit within the group to design, build and maintain a microgrid or private network for residential, industrial and commercial (I&C) developments and data centres. The new venture, called Eclipse Power Optimise, will accelerate connections to the grid, reduce connection costs and potentially overcome Distribution Network Operator (DNO) / Transmission Owner (TO) delays and reinforcement costs.

Eclipse Power Optimise simplifies the process of establishing microgrids and private networks, enabling developers to integrate and benefit from local energy generation within or close to their developments. Developers working with Eclipse Power Optimise will significantly reduce the waiting time to connect their projects to energy they need, as microgrids and private networks allow significant flexibility in the way the network is designed and managed. This helps overcome construction challenges and enables phased developments more effectively than waiting for a full DNO connection.

Spencer Thompson, CEO at Eclipse Power said, “Launching this new service is a natural next step for Eclipse. More and more projects are being held up by lengthy waits to connect to the grid as demand for connections increase. We have the technology to generate energy from renewable sources locally, why not capitalise on it by generating it close to where it is needed? We no longer have to follow old models of centralised generation, transmission and distribution. I am certain that we will see many more such initiatives and new ways of providing the clean energy that the UK’s homes and businesses need. Eclipse is proud to be part of that transition.”

Development Director at Eclipse Power Optimise, Alex Howison, said, “There has been a great deal of excitement around microgrids and private networks, especially among residential developments, data centres and industrial and commercial projects, where connections can be stuck in lengthy grid queues.

We ensure that microgrids and private networks can be constructed to suit individual project requirements and support their phased investment and construction, with an eye to future optimisation and further connections.

We’ll be showcasing our new service, to help unblock the connections queue and enable projects to benefit from locally generated energy, at our official launch of Eclipse Power Optimise next week. On Blue Monday, we’re turning this traditionally gloomy day purple!”

Eclipse Power Optimise offers joint-venture opportunities to developers of residential, I&C and data centre projects, with potential ongoing income from network charges. For more information about Eclipse Power Optimise service for microgrids and private networks and to join the team in turning Blue Monday purple, visit Eclipse’s website here.

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Editors notes

About Eclipse Power Optimise

Eclipse Power Optimise is a specialist microgrid and private energy network provider. Part of the Eclipse Power Group, Eclipse Power Optimise designs, builds and maintains localised electrical power networks and distribution systems that generate energy, usually from renewable energy sources, in the area where the demand is. For more information about Eclipse Power Optimise, microgrids and private networks services visit https://eclipsepower.co.uk/microgrids-and-private-networks/

Background

Microgrids and private networks generate energy for use in the area where the generation sources are located. They allow significant flexibility in the way the network is designed and managed. This helps overcome construction challenges and enables phased developments more effectively than waiting for a full Distribution Network Operator (DNO) connection, significantly reducing the time it takes to connect projects to the energy they need.

Microgrids generate power locally, typically from renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power and distribute the power to a local network. The current 1-megawatt limit for microgrid supply enables housing developments of up to 200 homes, retirement villages or even existing local communities to get the power they need for a potentially lower cost.

Without the grid restriction of a microgrid, private networks are suitable for industrial and commercial projects that require power of up to hundreds of megawatts. Private networks owned and managed by private companies, local authorities or other entities enable connected sites to generate, distribute and control their energy supply more effectively at lower cost.