Frontier Power, a UK power generation firm, has entered into a Joint Development Agreement with Ethos Green Energy to potentially develop 5GW of data center capacity integrated with solar energy and long-duration battery energy storage (LDES) across the UK. This ambitious initiative aims to address the growing demand for renewable energy solutions while enhancing energy security.
Under the agreement, Ethos will grant Frontier exclusive access to various connection points and land options to facilitate the development of its project pipeline. Ethos boasts over 10GW of connection offers, which could enable the creation of up to 20GWh of LDES projects. The collaboration is set to establish integrated “energy hubs” that combine renewable generation, LDES, and large data centers, maximizing the efficiency of shared infrastructure.
Humza Malik, CEO of Frontier Power, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “This collaboration with Ethos represents a significant step forward in addressing the UK’s energy transition challenges.” He highlighted that the combined expertise of both firms positions them well to deliver transformative utility-scale projects that will enhance energy security and reduce costs for consumers, supporting the UK’s net-zero ambitions.
The initial focus of the partnership will be on battery projects under the UK electricity regulator Ofgem’s Window 1 Long-Duration Energy Storage cap-and-floor scheme. Launched on April 8, this scheme aims to de-risk investments by guaranteeing minimum revenue while capping maximum earnings for projects. The partners plan to submit multiple LDES technologies, including flow and zinc-based batteries, for consideration by the regulator. The scheme is open to applicants until June 9.
Frontier Power, founded in 2009 and based in Warwick, specializes in a variety of energy solutions, including interconnectors and offshore wind projects. Ethos Green Energy, established in 2021 and headquartered in London, focuses on developing LDES and traditional renewable energy, with over 15GW of renewable assets currently under development.
Experts in the field view this collaboration as a crucial step toward meeting the UK’s renewable energy targets. Dr. Sarah Thompson, an energy analyst, noted, “Integrating data centers with renewable energy sources like solar and LDES not only improves energy efficiency but also addresses the increasing energy demands of the digital economy.”
The partnership between Frontier Power and Ethos Green Energy signifies a promising advancement in the UK’s renewable energy landscape. By leveraging their combined resources, the two companies aim to create sustainable energy solutions that align with the nation’s climate goals while enhancing the resilience of its energy infrastructure.
