Zenobē announces expansion to U.S. through collaboration with JERA Americas to develop battery storage projects

Dec. 16, 2022 — Zenobē, a leading EV fleet and battery storage specialist, has today announced it will join forces with JERA Americas, the U.S. subsidiary of JERA, the largest power generation company in Japan, to develop battery storage projects in New York and New England. The collaboration is a key milestone in securing clean power for the regions and marks Zenobē’s first move into the U.S., representing a significant step in its plans for further global expansion.

Zenobē and JERA Americas, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will see them jointly develop utility-scale, grid-connected, standalone and hybrid battery storage projects in both New York and New England to facilitate the uptake of renewables in these major U.S. hubs.

The venture is founded on the shared vision for clean, reliable, and affordable power networks across the world. JERA is a global leader in power, recently announcing a joint venture with Uniper to accelerate the production and supply of zero-carbon fuels from the U.S. The company has recently acquired thermal power generating facilities at two sites in the Northeast U.S. which they intend to use to enable renewable energy development.

The two businesses will look to identify other opportunities across the U.S., where JERA Americas is already developing projects. Opportunities could include the co-location of battery storage and renewable energy technologies, battery development acquisitions, and exploring opportunities for expansion into other markets in the future.

Battery storage plays a vital role in the transition to renewable energy systems as it can provide grid stability and flexibility, storing energy in the face of intermittent generation and releasing it when needed. The joint plans will enable more clean power to come onto the grid in key regions in North America as it begins to play an increasingly prominent role in the country’s energy mix. Having committed to achieving net zero by 2050, renewables currently generate around 20% of all U.S. electricity with its Inflation Reduction Act, which estimates suggest will cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030.

The two companies will combine their world-leading expertise to bring clean energy to these areas. Zenobē will draw on its successes and strong track record in building and operating battery storage sites to secure clean energy as countries change the way they generate power. Following the U.S.’s significant climate legislation, Zenobē will use its expertise to tap into the new and expanding market as the country focuses on increasing its reliance on renewables.

Current developments for the company include a recent investment of £750 million ($900m) in Scotland to bring 1 GW of projects through world-first contracts with National Grid Electricity System Operator, which will play an important role in securing one of the greenest grids in the world. This makes Zenobē the largest provider of battery-based transmission solutions in Europe, with other projects spanning the UK, New Zealand, Australia and the Benelux region.

James Basden, co-founder and director of Zenobē, said: “Zenobē is transforming the uptake of clean power across the UK and abroad, and we’re proud to be extending this work into the United States. In a country that consumes almost a third of the world’s energy and is increasing its renewable capacity, the need for greater energy security and flexibility has never been clearer. We’re excited to start working with JERA to facilitate the transition to renewables in the U.S.”

Steven Winn, CEO of JERA Americas, said: “We’re pleased to be working with Zenobē, a company with a track record in the innovative use of battery storage to secure clean power. This collaboration is the latest in our series of investments made to further a clean energy transition.”