Vodafone and Shell have started a pilot project in the UK to explore smarter energy use.

Vodafone Procure & Connect and Shell Energy Europe are looking at how battery storage could support more flexible and sustainable energy use in the future.

The project aims to provide both parties with insights into how large-scale battery systems can participate in grid systems and support smarter energy management strategies in the years ahead.

Vodafone will gain access to a portion of the operational benefits of the 100MW three-hour battery energy storage site in Bramley, Hampshire, one of the UK’s largest grid-connected battery facilities, which is managed by Shell. By leveraging Shell’s battery asset portfolio and optimisation services, Vodafone will learn more about how battery flexibility could enhance energy management, help lower carbon emissions and strengthen energy resilience across its operations.

“Partnering with Shell gives us the opportunity to explore how energy flexibility could play a role in our long-term sustainability goals,” said Ninian Wilson, CEO of Vodafone Procure & Connect. “It’s an important step that reflects our commitment to reducing carbon emissions across our supply chain.”

Rupen Tanna, head of European power trading at Shell, added: “This collaboration shows how companies in different sectors can work together to test innovative approaches to energy use. We are pleased to work with Vodafone Procure & Connect on how storage can be brought into corporate energy strategies.”

Vodafone Procure & Connect (vodafone.com/procureandconnect) is the unified brand representing the legal entities of Vodafone Procurement and Vodafone Roaming Services, headquartered in Luxembourg. It is a supply chain and connectivity partner to some of the world’s largest businesses, managing €21bn in annual procurement spend and over €1.5bn in roaming and voice trading.

Shell Energy Europe (www.shell.com/shellenergy/shell-energy-europe.html) is one of the largest energy traders in Europe and has built large power and gas portfolios, including renewable generation projects that leverage sources such as solar, wind and hydro and battery storage systems.