Swedish off-road engine manufacturer Volvo Penta has made a strategic investment in Utility Innovation Group (UIG), US-based specialists in resilient, innovative utility systems and decentralised energy solutions.
Volvo Penta says this means the two partners will have the potential to enhance their collective capabilities, while jointly creating innovative solutions and new market opportunities to advance electric grid infrastructure.
This milestone also provides more opportunities for mission-critical use cases, the likes of hospitals and data centers, alongside a new class of electrical “prosumers” who both produce and consume energy in support of the electrical grid, leveraging renewables and other on-site energy sources.
All profiles can optimise their energy usage by connecting energy sources with battery energy storage systems (BESS) to reduce reliance on the grid and build a more resilient energy ecosystem. Overall, the investment underscores Volvo Penta’s ambition as an independent supplier, to scale net-zero projects together with its OEM customers at a higher pace while continuing to strengthen the reliable portfolio of solutions available to its customers.
“This move is another proof point on our journey to net zero and decarbonising beyond the transportation sector,” says Heléne Mellquist, president Volvo Penta. “We see great potential in our investment and our collaborative partnership with UIG. Together we will be able to accelerate access to, and the adoption of, BESS-related solutions.”
Sidney Hinton, founder and CEO of UIG, added: “Establishing trust and fostering a strong partnership comes naturally, given the proven track record of the Volvo Group’s technology in emissions reductions, heavy-duty power solutions and aftermarket expertise.
“Volvo Penta’s electrification platform offers differentiated energy storage performance for electrical resiliency within microgrid solutions as we design and build the electric grid of the future. With this strategic investment, we aim to deploy industry-leading solutions and new technologies, enabling digitalization, charging optimisation and microgrid operations.”
