New storage battery courses go live to power green revolution
An accredited course for installers about how to specify and fit renewable battery storage technology has gone live, thanks to a new partnership between pioneering battery specialists AceOn and training provider GTEC.
The Telford-based company signed a deal earlier this year with Yorkshire-based GTEC to deliver industry-accredited training for its customers and clients in installing renewable electrical energy storage systems.
AceOn founder Mark Thompson said the partnership was a major step forward in providing the skills needed to deliver the green revolution promised by Boris Johnson in response to the climate change crisis.
Initially only available at GTEC’s Yorkshire centre, from September, the Battery Storage training courses will also be held at the Pump House in Shrewsbury.
Mark said: “Teaming up with GTEC to offer training to our potential customers and installers is a really big step forward for AceOn. GTEC will use our equipment for their training and deliver the skills required to really accelerate the move to renewable energy.
“AceOn played an important role in establishing the new national standard for these qualifications by working with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and we are delighted to now be involved in helping train the next generation of highly-qualified installers.
“We are very proud to have roles in every stage of this circular economy – from creating the product to installation, servicing, recycling and now training. Alongside our Renewergy Virtual Power Plant (VPP), we can now offer a one stop solution covering every aspect of renewable energy.
“As well as helping the country meet its legal obligation to be carbon neutral by 2050 and protecting the environment for future generations, this new partnership will help us to create new jobs and prosperity as the green revolution grows.”
Mark said the training would cover AceOn’s private and public sector partners, with the VPP attracting huge attention from social housing providers and local authorities since its launch in November.
“The VPP uses the very latest battery storage technology and smart energy management software to allow homes to capture solar energy and then store it in the most efficient and environmentally-friendly way for later use.
“This system not only drives down electricity costs for the homeowner or tenant, but it makes the most efficient use possible of renewable energy and also provides a revenue stream when the surplus power is sold back to the National Grid.”
Griff Thomas from GTEC said: “We are excited to be working with AceOn, using their excellent technology to train installers – in centre, and on site (we offer bespoke options for larger organisations) – while contributing to the UK’s wider low carbon targets. Electrical energy storage is a key part of the road to net zero, helping to make the electricity grid more resilient and sustainable.
“As one of the first centres to offer this type of training, we are pleased to be leading the charge backed by other important industry players, such as AceOn. This is an interesting time in the building services sector – trades people and those involved in the housing sector should seize the opportunity to make our homes both greener and more cost-effective.”
AceOn Group boasts 30 years of experience in the battery industry and has a team of experts in battery design and manufacture. The company is one of the UK's leading providers of lithium-ion battery systems and has a diverse team of battery specialists, including mechanical and electrical engineers.