Rolls-Royce, through its Power Systems division, and Chinese battery manufacturer CATL have announced a strategic cooperation agreement to introduce CATL’s new TENER product line in the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK). This partnership aims to enhance both companies’ capabilities in delivering large and complex grid-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) projects, a key component for advancing the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid.
The collaboration builds on a series of successful projects in the EU using CATL’s EnerOne product line, with multiple additional projects already under contract. The new TENER products, which are now part of Rolls-Royce’s mtu EnergyPack QG solution, boast increased safety, a long service life, and heightened efficiency. These features make them particularly suitable for large-scale energy storage applications, primarily benefiting grid operators.
TENER products are designed as 20-foot containerized energy storage systems equipped with CATL’s L-series long-life lithium iron phosphate cells. They offer an impressive energy density of 430 Wh/L and a total capacity of 6.25 MWh, which CATL claims is the highest in the world. The system’s cycle life exceeds 15,000 cycles, 1.7 times higher than the current mainstream level, and promises zero degradation in the first five years of its 20-year lifespan.
This partnership will also explore the development of innovative smart products, leveraging Rolls-Royce’s intelligent automation solution, mtu EnergetIQ, and its digital platform, mtu Go!, in conjunction with CATL’s intelligent diagnostic platform and battery management system (BMS). These advancements will facilitate advanced grid management and trading services, crucial for the energy transition towards a more sustainable infrastructure.
The significance of grid-scale energy storage systems cannot be overstated, as they play a critical role in stabilizing energy grids by integrating renewable energy sources, which often have variable outputs due to changing weather conditions. This integrated solution is expected to support the energy transition by providing a more reliable and sustainable energy infrastructure across the UK and EU.
Rolls-Royce and CATL‘s long-term supply agreement, signed last year, underscored their commitment to over 10 Gigawatt hours (GWh) of storage capacity. Their close working relationship has paved the way for integrating TENER products into comprehensive EPC-turnkey projects with all-inclusive service offerings.
Founded in 1906, Rolls-Royce is renowned as Europe’s largest aero-engine manufacturer, with a diverse portfolio that includes aero and marine engines. The company has been focusing on energy storage as a strategic growth area, highlighted during Rolls-Royce’s Capital Markets Day last November.
