Centrica Business Solutions has begun work on a new battery storage unit that will form the latest element of its Cornwall Local Energy Market, Centrica's previously reported trial to develop a local energy market in Cornwall, UK, which has seen the development of a virtual marketplace and the installation of new technology into over 150 homes and businesses.

Centrica Business Solutions has designed the 1MW battery to provide energy resilience to the Cornwall Council owned Wave Hub site and the local grid.

"The multi-award-winning Cornwall Local Energy Market offers a glimpse into the future of a truly decentralised energy landscape with thousands, if not millions, of homes and businesses playing their part in regional energy markets," Centrica said

"It goes further than any previous project in exploring how decentralised flexible assets can work together in an efficient local energy system that meets the needs of generators, customers and networks alike – reducing strain on the grid at peak times and maximising the productivity of Cornwall’s famous renewable energy generation," Centrica said 

Wave Hub Limited, which is solely owned by Cornwall Council, will own the battery storage system once in place, with Centrica responsible for the funding, construction and operation.