B&Q cuts grid power consumption with battery storage

B&Q’s parent company Kingfisher is installing energy storage batteries to store power created by solar panels at the retailer’s Swindon DC.

The move is intended to reduce the electricity the warehouse takes from the national grid by 31% and, on some days, it will be possible to achieve zero grid consumption.

There are 552 rooftop solar panels installed at the DC and, at present, around 35% of the power they produce is exported back into the grid.

Installation of the batteries, due to be complete by September, will mean that this energy can be stored and then released back as it is needed – this could be at times of peak pricing or during the night when the solar panels are dormant. Overall the batteries will be able to store 40% of the power generated by the panels and will power electric car-charging points.

The project is part of an overall aim by B&Q to reduce its carbon footprint by 90% while controlling its cost base. This policy was announced 10 years ago and, so far, carbon has been cut by 41% and electricity demand by 47%.

Christian Mazauric, CEO of B&Q UK & Ireland, said: “The installation of energy storage batteries at the Swindon distribution centre marks an important milestone in our and Kingfisher’s commitment to reduce grid energy consumption.

“UK energy prices aren’t going down. Battery energy storage will help us to better manage the energy we generate on site and will move us even closer to our sustainability goals.”

Solarcentury, Kingfisher’s renewable energy partner, will project manage the installation and then be responsible for maintenance and monitoring of the batteries.

The system will complement an existing biomass boiler and chipper supplied by Austrian company Fröling. This provides renewable heat for the offices and meets the warehouse’s hot water needs. Around 180 tonnes of waste wood fuels the boiler each year, including a large proportion of the site’s own waste wood.