A company that provides smart thermostats has entered a strategic collaboration with Voltalis to integrate demand response technology into 10,000 heat pumps by the end the year.
The partnership between Voltalis and Passiv is intended to enhance heat pump performance, boost their environmental sustainability, and foster improves cost savings for users across the UK.
Under this partnership, Voltalis will integrate its advanced demand response technology with the Passiv Smart Thermostat, adding what is claimed will be a “flexibility layer” that optimises consumers’ heat pump energy use.
Demand response technology, also referred to as ‘intelligent demand-side management’, temporarily modulates electricity consumption in homes and buildings to balance supply and demand, ensuring the power grid’s stability.
Together, the companies will aim to deploy 10,000 new heat pumps connected to Voltalis’ virtual power plant (VPP) by the end of 2025.
Dr Randall Bowen, UK managing director of Voltalis, said: “This strategic partnership with Passiv represents a key moment for Voltalis and a statement of intent in the UK’s energy landscape.
“By combining the Passiv Smart Thermostat with our advanced demand response technology, we can help consumers enjoy the sustainability benefits of renewable energy solutions, with the peace of mind that fluctuations in electricity won’t negatively impact their energy bills or their home comforts.
“Our shared goal underscores the pressing need for collaboration within the energy industry to be able to fully harness low-carbon technologies and provide impactful solutions to UK consumers today.”
Ian Rose, sales and strategy director at Passiv, added: “Through partnering with Voltalis, we’re excited to unlock an enhanced level of energy confidence, convenience and savings for our customers.
“Our smart thermostats, when connected to Voltalis’ platform, allow users to easily manage their energy consumption and, in turn, do our part to help minimise the impact of rising energy bills. This partnership is about making it easier for households to embrace energy efficiency without the need for huge, upfront investment.
“This is the way forward if we’re to position the UK as a leader in reducing carbon emissions.”
Another effect of Voltalis’ technology being paired with Passiv’s product is that the heat pumps will be tapped into a demand response system, which is said will help mitigate the intermittency of renewable energy sources.
Rolling out this joint solution into UK homes won’t impact Passiv’s existing heat pump deployment process, and is said to have no additional installation cost to the consumer.
Voltalis’ technology is claimed to reduce energy consumption by on average up to 15%, while the Passiv Smart Thermostat is said to enhance heat pump efficiency by 30% through smart tariffs and efficiency improvements.
By the integration of these two technologies, the two companies say the potential for even higher savings for consumers is achievable – all without affecting users’ comfort levels or routine.
The strategic partnership marks the latest step in Voltalis’ broader plan to develop up to 5 GWp of demand response capacity in the UK market by 2030, representing a £1bn investment.
Image credit: I AM NIKOM/Shutterstock
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