IM Properties to test Tesla batteries in commercial unit
UK property manager and industrial developer IM Properties has revealed plans to install a Tesla Powerpack in a building currently under construction in Birmingham. The 69,000 sq ft HUB69 development is set to feature a 250 kW solar array, alongside a 100kW/170kWh Tesla Powerpack. If the project proves economically successful, IM Properties plans to use the Powerpack system in all its 50,000 sq ft+ projects.

IM Properties, a property manager and industrial developer in UK, announced that it is installing a Tesla Powerpack in one of its building in order to study the potential of completely offsetting their electric utility costs.

If successful, the company hopes to be able to offer a whole new added value to its customers by using Tesla’s Powerpacks and solar energy.

They are trying the concept at a 69,000 sq ft development called HUB69 currently under construction in Birmingham.

A 250 kW solar array is planned with a 100kW/170kWh Tesla Powerpack.

On their website, IM Properties details the calculations behind the economics of the building:

The calculations are based upon a supply contract from Npower wherein which the daytime rate is 10.623p and the night-time rate is 14.804p per kwh. From this the following electricity consumption estimate has been calculated: office consumption is 123,138 KWH, warehouse small power consumption is 132,787 KWH and warehouse lighting consumption is 48,000 kwh. This provides an electricity cost calculation as follows: total annual consumption = 303,925 kwh. Cost per annum at 10.623p = £32,286 plus £4,933 standing and capacity charge on 300 KVA = £37,218. Self-consumption of generated energy is estimated at 90% which is 201,857 kwh of ‘free’ energy. The remaining balance of £15,775 per annum is reduced by revenue from FFR (Firm Frequency Response) amounting to £11,669 which is an ancillary service (subsidised by National Grid) received via an aggregator. The remaining revenues are received through TNUoS (Transmission Use of System charges, often known as TRIAD) (£7,124) and DUoS (Distributed Use of System charges) which is a direct saving on the electricity bill (£1,256). To achieve the savings on the electricity bill a standard supply contract (also known as a standard pass through contract) with these items listed a separate line items is required. There is no additional charges or levy’s from any supplier for this.

According to the company, it should result in a net revenue of £4,273 to the tenant.

Kevin Ashfield, IMP’s UK development director, told EGI:

“There is a general trend of increasing utility costs, which affects the bottom line of occupiers. Our first ECN building provides a carbon-positive facility, which will have long-term cost savings for the occupier.”

‘ECN’ stands for “electricity cost neutral”.

While it’s their first project of the sort, if the economics work as planned, they want to expand it to other 50,000 sq ft+ projects.

It’s the first ‘ECN’ project with Tesla Powerpacks in the UK, but Tesla has already deployed the battery pack in the country. Last year, they did a 5-Powerpack project with Camborne Energy Storage in Somerset.