Rolls-Royce, a leading British provider of power and propulsion solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL), a prominent Chinese battery manufacturer. The collaboration aims to introduce CATL’s innovative TENER product line into the European Union and the United Kingdom, targeting the rapidly expanding market for power storage systems driven by the growth of renewable energies.
CATL’s TENER is distinguished as the world’s first energy storage system with zero-degradation in the initial five years of operation, boasting a substantial capacity of 6.25 megawatt-hours and designed for mass production.
Rolls-Royce has integrated TENER products into its MTU EnergyPack QG solution, tailored for large-scale energy storage applications primarily aimed at grid operators. This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing grid stability and reliability, crucial for accommodating intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
The partnership extends beyond product integration to include the development of innovative smart technologies. Rolls-Royce will leverage its MTU EnergetIQ intelligent automation solution and MTU Go! digital platform, while CATL contributes its advanced battery management system and intelligent diagnostic platform.
According to Rolls-Royce, this collaboration strengthens their capabilities in managing large and complex grid-scale battery energy storage projects. It underscores their commitment to expanding in the strategic area of battery storage systems, identified as a key growth segment within their Power Systems division.
Industry experts suggest that beyond commercial benefits, this partnership signifies deeper manufacturing collaboration between China and Europe. By focusing on manufacturing rather than just sales, both companies aim to mitigate risks associated with geopolitical tensions and trade conflicts.