NIE MOBILE BESS

The Background:

NIE Networks owns the electricity transmission and distribution network and operates the electricity distribution network which transports electricity to over 929,000 customers.

NIE Networks is committed to delivering a sustainable energy system for all, including behaving sustainably in their own practices.

This project was guided by their vision to move away from traditional diesel generators, with a strong focus on cutting carbon emissions and greatly enhancing the overall customer experience.

This project reflects Continu’s core vision: to help businesses increase profit by taking control of their energy and protecting their critical power. By replacing outdated systems with a clean, reliable, and flexible solution, we provided NIE with a future-ready alternative, aligned with their sustainability goals and designed to meet real-world utility demands.

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The Challenge:

Previously, NIE deployed diesel generators to provide constant power to homes during planned network maintenance, typically for approximately 8 hours.

 

However, these generators presented significant environmental and operational challenges. They contributed to air pollution and generated considerable noise, which was particularly problematic in sensitive areas and negatively impacted customer experience.

 

The core problem was finding a sustainable, quiet, and efficient alternative to fossil-fuel dependent backup power.

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The Solution:

Continu stepped in as the expert partner in delivering an innovative mobile Battery
Energy Storage System (BESS) solution to directly replace the problematic diesel
generators. This approach aligned with NIE's goals of environmental stewardship and enhanced operational efficiency.

Continu sourced and integrated components from across their strong supply chain to meet the exact specification and budget, ensuring the solution not only aligned with NIE's sustainability and efficiency goals, but also pushed the boundaries of what was previously possible on-site and typically ‘off the shelf’

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How It Was Done:

Continu designed and delivered a bespoke trailered 10 kW /15 kWh battery solution to replace diesel generators - offering clean, reliable, and easily deployable power across the province.

Designed for easy transport and operation, the system includes smart remote
monitoring, automatic generator control, and efficient temperature management. It
charges at NIE’s main buildings via mains power, with a custom-designed trailer built to integrate seamlessly with their existing fleet operations.

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The Results:

The implementation of this trial mobile battery solution delivered transformative results for NIE:

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• Elimination of Emissions and Noise: The new system generated no noise or carbon emissions, directly addressing the primary concerns associated with diesel generators. This significantly improved the experience for customers and enhanced the environmental footprint of maintenance operations.

• Extended Run Time: The 15 kWh battery capacity provides enough run time for approximately 2 days, ensuring sustained power during maintenance periods.

• Operational Flexibility: The trailered design allows the battery to be effortlessly transported across the region, making it readily available wherever needed.

• Enhanced Monitoring: The inclusion of remote monitoring provides an additional advantage, offering real-time insights and enabling proactive management of the power solution.

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Why Continu?

This project was a process of trial, learning, and refinement, literally thinking outside the box!

Working closely with NIE to find the sweet spot between performance, cost, and
practicality. Continu brought the deep technical expertise and hands-on experience needed to design and deliver a mobile Battery Energy Storage System that could truly replace diesel generators in the field.

 

 BSO

'The mobile battery System offers clean and silent alternative to the petrol
generators that we typically use to support customers in both planned and
storm situations, we worked with Continu to develop a number of prototypes
and finally came up with this lightweight option we can deploy in the field.'

 

Alex Houston, Network Operations Manager. NIE Networks.

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