Aura Renewable Acquisiti... Share Discussion Threads

[solarno lopez] 26/11/2023 10:54

….The potential of a good RTO….. that’s the nail on the head Hedgehog without quality the Aura share price will go nowhere !

[hedgehog 100] 25/11/2023 20:29

And as regards the potential impact of a good RTO deal.

On 14.11.23, ZEG closed up a whomping 364%, rising 110.6p to 141p, after returning from a near two month suspension.

ZEG's market cap. at its suspension price of 30.4p was £1.89M., which like ARA was less than its cash per share.


09/11/2023 11:34 UK Regulatory (RNS & others) Zegona Communications PLC Proposed Placing LSE:ZEG Zegona Communications Plc

"Further to the announcements of 31 October 2023 in connection with the Company's acquisition of Vodafone Spain for EUR5.0bn, Zegona announces a proposed placing to raise gross proceeds of approximately EUR300 million (GBP261 million) (the " Placing " ).

The Placing will comprise the issue of New Zegona Shares to institutional investors at the Offer Price of 150 pence per share by way of a non-pre-emptive placing. It will be conducted through an accelerated bookbuilding process which will be launched immediately following this announcement. ...

The Offer Price represents a 380 per cent. premium to the closing mid-market price of a Zegona Share on 22 September 2023, the date when Zegona requested that trading in its shares was suspended by the London Stock Exchange following press speculation in relation to the Acquisition. ..."




Zegona Communications (ZEG):-




From the 19.4.23 video interview with ARA's Chairman John Croft:-

"... we're very hopeful, put it like that, that we can do a transaction in this year. The sectors that we're particularly interested in are in energy storage generally, but particularly in battery technologies.

... there's a huge opportunity there ... I'm very hopeful we'll do something this year.

... with the minimum capitalisation having been moved up to thirty million pounds, it means actually that that valuation of the SPAC in the context of an overall transaction is relatively small. So we're starting to see valuations for SPACS in transactions heading up, and recently there have been some in London where the SPAC has been valued at multiple times of its cash balance, and multiple times the value of its original market cap. at the time it came to the market. So we see that as being very encouraging, and a positive sign for our shareholders going forward. ..."

[hedgehog 100] 13/11/2023 13:24

13/11/2023 08:33 UK Regulatory (RNS & others) Aura Renewable Acquisitions PLC Director Declaration LSE:ARA Aura Renewable Acquisitions Plc

"Aura Renewable Acquisitions plc confirms that Robin Stevens, Non-Executive Director, has advised that he will be appointed as a Non-Executive Director of East Imperial Plc (LSE: EISB).

This announcement is made in accordance with Listing Rule 9.6.14."




East Imperial (EISB):-

[hedgehog 100] 07/11/2023 14:10

Tomorrow's event will run from 6p.m. - 8.45p.m., including a one hour networking reception at the end:-

[hedgehog 100] 07/11/2023 09:48

07/11/2023 09:00 UK Regulatory (RNS & others) Aura Renewable Acquisitions PLC Director to address City of London energy event LSE:ARA Aura Renewable Acquisitions Plc

"Director to address City of London energy event

7 November 2023 - Aura Renewable Acquisitions plc, a UK-incorporated company, whose objective is to invest in the global renewable energy sector supply chain and thereby build shareholder value, announces that Robin Stevens, a Non-Executive Director of the Company, is to address an energy event in the City of London.

'UK-Malaysia: Update on Oil & Gas and Renewables', hosted by the British Malaysian Society, is scheduled to take place in the City of London, on Wednesday, 8 November 2023. The event, to be chaired by Sir Mark Moody-Stuart KCMG, will also feature other speakers.

Robin Stevens commented: "At a time when the energy transition is at the top of the public and business agenda, it is a privilege to be invited to speak at this prestigious and wide-ranging event alongside country and sector experts. The event provides an opportunity to bring the Aura Renewable Acquisitions story to a wider audience within the context of the exciting and important developments in the promotion and support for renewable energy projects that are taking place in Malaysia and in Asia Pacific."

Mr Stevens intends to outline Aura's strategy and activities to the audience within his wider presentation and participate in a Q&A session. It is not intended the Company will disclose any material information at the event."

[hedgehog 100] 07/10/2023 14:29

The shell company TMTA has this week announced an agreed takeover of itself (though not a RTO) at a c. £1.3M. premium to its available cash of c. £4.7M.:-

03/10/2023 13:30 UK Regulatory (RNS & others) TMT Acquisition PLC Statement re Possible Offer LSE:TMTA Tmt Acquisition Plc

"Statement regarding possible offer for TMT Acquisition plc

The boards of TMT Acquisition plc ("TMT Acquisition") and Belluscura plc ("Belluscura") are pleased to announce that they have reached agreement on the key terms of a possible share for share offer for TMT Acquisition by Belluscura (the "Possible Offer"). ...

Terms of the Possible Offer

The proposed terms of the Possible Offer comprise the issuance of 15 new ordinary shares of Belluscura ("Belluscura Shares") in exchange for every 22 ordinary shares of TMT Acquisition ("TMT Acquisition Shares") equalling 18,750,000 Belluscura Shares (the "Exchange Ratio"). The Exchange Ratio would imply a valuation of 21.82 pence for each TMT Acquisition Share and a 24.7% premium to the three month volume weighted average price for TMT Acquisition Shares calculated for the period ending on 2 October 2023, the last practicable date prior to the announcement of the Possible Offer (the "Possible Offer Terms").

Accordingly, on the basis of the Exchange Ratio, the Possible Offer will imply a total valuation of GBP6.0 million for TMT Acquisition.

A compelling combination which significantly increases Belluscura's ability to execute on its burgeoning sales pipeline and strategy, creating considerable value for all stakeholders of both TMT Acquisition and Belluscura

Given the introduction and significant pre-launch demand expressed for the DISCOV-R product, building on top of the continued sales progress of the X-PLOR (as outlined below), Belluscura is seeking further growth capital to fund the increased working capital required to meet these growth opportunities. The funds available within TMT Acquisition (approximately GBP4.7 million), will provide the enlarged group with additional working capital, to help meet the planned growth through to Belluscura becoming cash flow positive, which the board of Belluscura expect to be by the end of the second quarter of next year. Following completion, the Belluscura board will remain in place and the directors of the TMT Acquisition board will step down from their roles.

Subject to the confirmatory due diligence required by Belluscura's Nominated Adviser (as is normal for the proposed appointment of any director of an AIM company), and agreement of terms in respect of the Non-Executive Director appointment letters, it is Belluscura's intention to invite both Jonathan Satchell and Paul Tuson, currently Non-Executive Directors of TMT Acquisition, to join the existing Belluscura board as Non-Executive Directors upon the Possible Offer becoming or being declared wholly unconditional, as the board of Belluscura believe each would make a positive contribution to Belluscura's board given their experience and expertise. ..."

[hedgehog 100] 05/9/2023 15:27

05/09/2023 07:00 UK Regulatory (RNS & others) Aura Renewable Acquisitions PLC Half-year Interim Report LSE:ARA Aura Renewable Acquisitions Plc

"Interim Results for the six months ended 30 June 2023

5 September 2023 - Aura Renewable Acquisitions plc, a UK-incorporated company, whose objective is to invest in the global renewable energy sector supply chain and thereby build shareholder value, announces its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2023 .

Highlights

-- Targeting acquisitions operating in the Global Renewable Energy Sector Supply Chain.

-- An engaged board with a combination of strong sector and capital markets experience and expertise.

-- Low cost base and minimal cash burn.

-- Good visibility towards potential targets via an extensive contact base of potential introducers and opportunities.

-- Strong connections to potential sources of acquisition funding.

-- Best practice ESG policies will be introduced to support and encourage sustainability across our business.

John Croft, the Chairman of Aura, commented:

"Aura was established to acquire and then act as the holding company for targeted businesses operating in the global renewable energy sector supply chain, particularly participants in the wind, solar, biomass, hydropower, carbon capture, waste management, smart grids and green hydrogen supply chain, and their sub-sectors.

"The board has continued to investigate a number of potential acquisition and investment opportunities during the year-to-date, in the UK and overseas, which could offer the scale and scalability required to achieve significant growth in this crucially important market sector. We also continue to engage regularly with the board's extensive financial networks to maintain the Company's profile and promote its expansion strategy with the board's extensive introducer base.

"Economic and political uncertainty caused by persistent inflation, high interest rate rises and continuing hostilities in Eastern Europe have continued to depress capital market activity and new issues during 2023, although M&A is more buoyant across markets. The growing awareness of what is now seen as the clear, present and irrefutable danger of global warming on populations, habitats and landscapes underpins our business strategy and economic rationale. Fortunately, there is a growing if sometimes inconsistent shift by national governments to focus on sustainable renewable energy.

"Against a background of general uncertainty and unquestioned need, we believe our closely targeted and considered approach to our first acquisition is correct, aiming to identify a transformational target that can create a meaningful contribution in the renewable energy space. There can be no doubt that the renewable energy sector will offer exciting opportunities for acquisitive and organic growth for the foreseeable future, and we are committed to ensure that the Company and its stakeholders will share in these opportunities.

"Within our team we have both the skills and experience to capitalise on the opportunities that are expected to arise in the renewable energy sector supply chain."

... Chairman's statement

It is my pleasure to present the interim results for the Company covering the six months ended 30 June 2023.

Aura was established to acquire and then act as the holding company for targeted businesses operating in the global renewable energy sector supply chain, particularly participants in the wind, solar, biomass, hydropower, carbon capture, waste management, smart grids and green hydrogen supply chain, and their sub-sectors. We believe this wide scope provides the best opportunity to secure assets that will deliver maximum value. These potential targets could range from raw materials resourcing to power generation, energy storage and recycling.

The Company raised net proceeds of GBP1,005,000 when it joined the Standard Segment of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in April 2022 and, since the IPO the business continues to incur minimal overheads until we find a suitable acquisition target. This is reflected in our net loss before taxation for the six-month period of GBP69,598 (2022: GBP164,065 (loss)), and that at 30 June 2023 we had retained cash and bank resources of GBP723,127. ...

The US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) continues to stimulate large-scale investment in new clean energy projects; the Canadian Government announced $35bn tax credits for environmentally beneficial investment in April, while the UK Government has repeatedly reiterated its commitment to decarbonising the economy.

Plans announced by the UK Prime Minister on 31 July, for hundreds of North Sea oil and gas licences, appear to be a balanced response aimed at replacing energy from unstable states with domestic supplies while maximising skills, despite opposition by some pressure groups. Mr Sunak also announced two new carbon capture and storage sites in the North Sea by 2030 to tackle climate change, which would take the UK's total to four. ...

As stated previously, we are fully aware of our wider environmental, social and governance responsibilities to shareholders and other stakeholders and we are committed to follow market best practice and developing procedures to address these important issues. ...

The Company's strategy is dependent to a significant extent on its ability to identify sufficient suitable acquisition opportunities and to execute these transactions at a price and on terms consistent with the Company's strategy. In particular, in order to qualify for re-admission to the Official List following an acquisition, the expected aggregate market value of the issued Ordinary Shares on such re-admission would have to be at least GBP30 million. However, it is possible that the board might decide to seek admission to the AIM Market at the time of its first acquisition, where no such size constraints exist, rather than re-join the Official List. ... "

[hedgehog 100] 03/9/2023 12:17

Energy Storage Industries Asia Pacific (ESI), the batteries supplier for the new Queensland iron-flow battery project, is another privately-held battery company that looks ripe for a RTO:-

"ENERGY STORAGE INDUSTRIES ASIA PACIFIC

Our renewable energy future — today

We provide reliable and environmentally friendly renewable energy storage battery solutions that are essential for Australia's transition to a renewable energy future.

Energy Storage Industries - Asia Pacific (ESI) is fully integrated — we manufacture, install, maintain and finance energy storage battery solutions.

We have already installed 10 grid-scale batteries at a Queensland facility, helping to secure Queensland’s clean energy future, with a further 10 batteries en route.

By the end of 2026, ESI will produce 200MW | 1.6GWh of energy storage annually. With an ambition to expand to 400MW | 3.2GWh."

[hedgehog 100] 02/9/2023 21:23

Interesting to see iron flow batteries being progressed significantly in Australia:-

"FLOW BATTERY

“World’s largest” iron flow battery storage system unveiled in Australia
01 Sep 2023

News

By Tage Erikson

The Stanwell Power Station in Rockhampton in Queensland, Australia, is a hub for energy innovation. Stanwell and Energy Storage Industries Asia Pacific (ESI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding concerning a new iron-flow battery pilot project – claimed to be the world’s largest.

Twenty batteries, each 12 metres long, will form a 1 MW storage system with a capacity of 10 MWh. The companies said this is the first pilot project in Australia and the world’s largest iron-flow battery of its kind. Stanwell was a coal-fired power plant.

The government of Queensland has set the goal that Stanwell will be operating as a clean energy unit in 2032–33. Stanwell is the size of a shopping centre. The energy palette of the future will contain wind and solar power, hydrogen and battery storage, and other modern and sustainable energy technology.

The battery storage is intended to test the viability of iron flow batteries for medium-duration energy storage of between eight and 12 hours. The solution will support the grid during periods of high demand of power and low supply of renewable energy. ESI has already delivered 10 batteries to Stanwell.

“Queensland is at the forefront of battery technology development and this transaction reinforces the state’s reputation as a leader in the renewable energy economy, while also training the workforce of the future,” Stuart Parry, Managing Director of ESI said.

ESI has already invested A$70 million ($45 million) in a facility in Maryborough for production of iron flow batteries. The company will also manufacture the electrolyte in nearby Townsville, making Queensland a hub for this technology.

The government of Queensland has supported development of flow batteries with A$24 million ($15 million) to increase local employment and to replace imported lithium-ion batteries with a domestic product.

Iron flow batteries are based on the common raw materials iron, salt and water. The cycling capacity exceeds 20,000 cycles and the expected lifetime is more than 25 years."

[hedgehog 100] 27/8/2023 12:37

Over a thousand battery projects of over 150kW are currently being progressed in Britain, which shows what a huge growth opportunity this is:-

"BESS: The charged debate over battery energy storage systems

By Tom Airey & Spencer Stokes
BBC Yorkshire

26 August 2023

Huge battery storage plants could soon become a familiar sight across the UK, with hundreds of applications currently lodged with councils. ...

What are battery storage plants?

In short, battery storage plants, or battery energy storage systems (BESS), are a way to stockpile energy from renewable sources and release it when needed. ...

Where are they being built?

A government database tracking the progress of UK renewable electricity schemes over 150kW through the planning system lists 1,145 battery projects in total.

According to the online tool, 93 of these sites are currently operational.

Many of the sites being selected by energy companies are on greenfield land close to existing National Grid substations. ...

How realistic are the fire risks?

Concerns around fire safety stems from the lithium within the batteries, which can cause an explosion when it overheats.

On 15 September 2020, a fire at a BESS site in Liverpool took 59 hours to extinguish and created a "significant blast", Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service said. ...

The initial suspected cause was deemed to be "accidental ignition caused by a lithium battery failure transitioning into thermal runaway". ...

A US database listing fires at BESS sites found 63 examples worldwide since 2011. ..."





It's also an area which could benefit from safer alternatives to lithium ion batteries, and where this is very viable.

The relatively high energy density of lithium gives it the advantage for mobile applications.

But alternative technologies to lithium ion could make huge headway in the stationary energy storage market.

[hedgehog 100] 24/8/2023 18:45

The shell company ASHI floated at 3p per share on 6th. June this year, market cap. £1.841M., compared to net cash of £717K., including its net IPO proceeds.

That didn't look cheap, but to its credit it has suspended (at 2.75p) for a DOUBLE RTO, valued at over £175M. including ASHI's shell value, just two and a half months later:-

17/08/2023 08:10 UK Regulatory (RNS & others) Ashington Innovation PLC Heads of Terms Signed LSE:ASHI Ashington Innovation Plc
"Heads of Terms Signed
Proposed Reverse Takeover of Cell Therapy Limited
Suspension of Listing
Conditional Acquisition of Cell Therapy Limited
Ashington Innovation (LSE:ASHI), the Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) established to acquire businesses primarily in the technology sector, is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into a non-binding term sheet (the "Term Sheet") with Cell Therapy Limited ("Cell Therapy") pursuant to which Ashington Innovation will acquire 100% of the total issued equity for GBP135 million in an all share transaction (the "Transaction"). Cell Therapy is a clinical stage biotechnology firm with a portfolio of patented cellular medicines with a lead program that successfully completed an early-stage human clinical trial in heart failure. ... "


24/08/2023 07:00 UK Regulatory (RNS & others) Ashington Innovation PLC Heads of Terms Signed for the Acquisition of Calon LSE:ASHI Ashington Innovation Plc
"Heads of Terms Signed for the Acquisition of Calon Cardio-Technology Limited, subject to the Completion of the Reverse Takeover of Cell Therapy Limited
Ashington Innovation plc (LSE: ASHI; FSE: 6FW), a special purpose acquisition company, is pleased to announce it has entered into a non-binding heads of terms agreement with Calon Cardio-Technology Limited ("Calon"), to acquire 100% of the outstanding shares in Calon in an all-share transaction. The acquisition is subject to the completion of the proposed reverse takeover of Cell Therapy Limited ("CTL") ...
Following recent discussions, on 23 August 2023 Ashington entered a non-binding heads of terms agreement with Calon for the acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital of Calon for a purchase price of GBP39 million, to be satisfied by the allotment and issue of new ordinary shares in Ashington Innovation PLC to the shareholders of Calon. ..."

[hedgehog 100] 23/8/2023 19:16

From the Process and Control Today website:-

"UK Primed to Become a Global Frontrunner in Battery Recycling

22/08/2023 Innovate UK

The UK has everything it needs to become a frontrunner in the global battery recycling industry but, to achieve this, there must be collaboration across industry, academia and government, according to a new report.

The 2035 UK Battery Recycling Industry Vision, from the Innovate UK KTN Cross-Sector Battery Systems Innovation Network, identifies key areas for research and innovation, policy and regulation, infrastructure and skills. It emphasises the need for sustainable battery recycling processes, safe and rapid discharging of packs, and access to a trained, skilled and diverse workforce to secure the UK’s supply of battery materials including cobalt and lithium, two critical minerals with limited global supply.

Not only would an excellent battery recycling ecosystem boost the security of critical minerals in the UK, but it would also attract investment from battery manufacturers, who will be keen to open up shop near battery recycling centres where skills, knowledge and materials are close and in abundant supply, according to the report.

But to make this vision a reality, policymakers and innovators must act now to ensure the industry thrives in the future.

Co-author of the report, Sheena Hindocha, Knowledge Transfer Manager at Innovate UK KTN, says, “Without going into the politics of supply monopolies, there’s already a finite amount of raw material to make batteries, and with over 450,000 tonnes of cell production predicted for 2040, we must act now to develop the end-of-life infrastructure required for this demand.”Co-author of the report, Nikoleta Piperidou, Knowledge Transfer Manager at Innovate UK KTN, adds “It’s well-known that EVs are going to play a key role in the UK’s race to net-zero by 2050. Collaboration is essential for success, from industry stakeholders and researchers, all the way to Government to develop the right strategy for the volume of EV batteries that are coming.”

The steps to UK battery recycling excellence outlined in the report include the need for standardised EV batteries and connections. At present, each EV car manufacturer has different battery cell designs, meaning the ability to discharge end-of-life packs is specialised. If they were standardised, end-of-life battery handling would be far simpler and safer, and could even be automated.

The infographic and its supportive report also call for clear and safe industry practice to combat the high cost and risk that transporting batteries currently present, this can be addresses in several ways including through the integration of battery State of Health (SOH) to better identify and flag when a battery needs to be recycled, reused or repurposed.

To achieve this, robust infrastructure has been outlined as a crucial necessity to fully support the industry’s growth, without which could lead to the expensive and environmentally-damaging shipping of UK EV waste.

Access the 2035 UK Battery Recycling Industry Vision’s infographic and supportive report for the full details."

[hedgehog 100] 19/8/2023 20:14

ARA's interim results, for its half year ending 30th. June, should be announced soon - they were released on 7th. September last year.

And that should provide an update on progress, especially if no intended RTO deal has been unveiled before then.

[hedgehog 100] 16/8/2023 21:22

GivEnergy is another impressive privately-held British energy storage and battery tech company, that could potentially RTO into ARA:-

"Empowering energy freedom for all

Cut your costs with smart green energy solutions. With GivEnergy technology, you can power your home or business cheaply and sustainably. Become part of a cleaner world."



"Our journey so far

We’ve worked hard to achieve hyper-growth for GivEnergy, and that growth is reflected across our business achievements and our thriving product line."

[hedgehog 100] 15/8/2023 17:49

Home battery storage looks like a huge business growth opportunity, and one which is now really starting to take off:-

"Battery storage: the heart of the low-carbon home

Today’s billpayer faces a perfect storm when it comes to energy usage: soaring costs, energy uncertainty, and mounting climate concerns.

27 April 2023
4 Min Read

In the face of growing strains on traditional energy systems, consumers are increasingly turning towards renewable energy solutions, prompting us to speak with GivEnergy CEO, Jason Howlett, who elaborates on the pivotal role of home storage batteries.

While such a shift towards renewable energy is welcome, it’s not enough. Renewables are, by nature, intermittent. So, it is only when paired with an energy storage technology that billpayers can maximise the potential of their renewable system. Simply put, a home storage battery should sit at the heart of the low-carbon home.

Harnessing renewable energy reliably with home storage batteries

Last year, the UK generated a record amount of energy from renewable sources. Indeed, researchers found that 40% of the UK’s electricity in 2022 comprised solar, wind, biomass, and hydropower. (Representing a 5% increase from 2021).

However, there is no requirement that complementary storage batteries should be in place for these booming renewable projects. Indeed, while everyone is familiar with solar panels and wind turbines, awareness around home storage batteries is much further behind.

This lack of awareness is damaging in terms of both cost and carbon emissions. Many people are surprised to discover that, without storage, much of the energy generated by renewables can go to waste. In fact, it’s been reported that two-thirds of the world’s energy is wasted somewhere between generation and usage. And beyond the waste, a lack of storage means that homes can only use their renewable energy when weather permits. ...

Looking beyond renewables

The benefits of home battery storage go beyond renewables, too. For billpayers who can’t afford to invest in a full solar array or a home wind turbine, an energy storage battery can still deliver significant cost and carbon savings.

Many batteries are app-controlled and can be configured to charge strategically in line with smart tariffs. So, your battery will charge when energy costs and demands are low (such as overnight, when cheap rates are in place.) You can then run your home on clean battery power when energy costs are high, and the grid is under strain.

Even without renewables, a storage battery can still contribute to a low-cost and low-carbon home.

The evolution of battery storage – and its uptake

Fortunately, though awareness is still somewhat behind where it should be, we are seeing an uptick in home storage batteries. For instance, we at GivEnergy commission upwards of 1000 systems per week in the UK alone.

Perhaps most exciting is how advanced these systems are becoming. To use GivEnergy as an example, in 2018, our most powerful residential battery had an individual capacity of 5.2kWh. Fast forward to 2023, and we are on the brink of launching a combined battery and inverter in one integrated product, complete with a backup gateway with a capacity of 13.5kWh. Of course, all these batteries are scalable and can be operated in series to create larger capacity storage systems. ..."

[hedgehog 100] 12/8/2023 20:16

In the twelve months to 31st. July, AceOn's export business alone has increased by over a million pounds, which is a sign both of the company's success, and of what a compelling growth market ARA is targeting for its RTO:-

"AceOn shortlisted for premier export award

Posted by: Alex Thompson

Post Date: July 31

Growing UK renewable energy and battery specialist AceOn has been shortlisted for a top prize in one of the country’s most prestigious awards schemes.

The company is a finalist for the exporter of the year title at the Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards.

It will compete against 10 other firms from across the country for the title – sponsored by the Department for Business and Trade – with the winners being announced at a gala awards night at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Park Lane in November.

AceOn, which has bases in Telford and Solihull, has enjoyed a hugely successful year trading around the world.

Managing director Mark Thompson said: “The past 12 months have really seen our export performance take off. This nomination is further confirmation that we have established ourselves firmly as one of the UK’s battery specialists.

“We are exporting products and working on projects with companies and organisations across several continents. We have secured some big orders and seen a seven-figure increase in the value of our exports business.

“A key ingredient in our success is that we have established strong partnerships with market-leading suppliers of batteries and components such as BMZ. This means that, for our export and domestic markets, the batteries we distribute and the battery packs we manufacture here in the UK offer value-for-money and good quality for our customers.

“And we were delighted to be selected as a Regional Export Champion to share our experiences with other Midlands’ businesses and help the region power up its international trade.” ..."

[hedgehog 100] 12/8/2023 13:37

Another impressive privately-held British energy storage and battery tech company, that could potentially RTO into ARA:-

"AceOn are a pioneering energy storage and battery company with over 30 years’ experience in the battery industry. We are a Telford-based company who supply quality battery energy storage systems and ancillary Renewables such as Solar PV and Inverters."



AceOn is currently growing strongly, and now looks like an ideal time for it to float on the stock market, via a RTO:-

"AceOn strengthens team with key new appointment

Posted by: Alex Thompson

Post Date: July 17, 2023

Expanding UK renewable energy and battery specialist AceOn has strengthened its team with a key appointment to help drive its strategic growth plans.

Jean Maclachlan has joined the company – which has bases in Telford and Solihull – as senior project management consultant.

Jean, who has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry, moves to AceOn from US-headquartered Fortune 500 company, Cummins Inc, which leads the diesel engine and alternative energy industry.

AceOn managing director Mark Thompson said Jean would bring a huge amount of expertise and industry knowledge to the company at an important moment in its growth.

“We are thrilled to have appointed someone who is so respected within the industry. Jean will play a key role in promoting our commercial and industrial energy storage solutions at a time when demand is growing at huge pace.

“Our commercial battery products help businesses store renewable and low-tariff power for the most cost-effective use and are an essential tool for companies looking to become more green, reduce their dependency on the Grid, and combat the rising cost of energy.

“With her experience and knowledge of the market, Jean is ideally placed to help drive our continued growth in the sector.”

In the last few years Jean has worked primarily in new energy production and distribution. Her educational background stems from one of the top ten engineering universities in the US, Virginia Tech, with a speciality in Industrial Engineering.

Her recent past career experiences include designing and building data centres, industrial and residential power generation sites in the realm of project management, customer relationship management and opportunity strategy.

She said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining AceOn to help the company with its continued growth. I am a big admirer of the work that it does and its proud track record in innovation and delivering low carbon, sustainable energy solutions.

“I look forward to playing my part in helping the company build further on its success and leading the way in the commercial and industrial energy storage fields.”

AceOn opened its new offices in Solihull earlier this year as part of a longer-term plan to set up a new warehouse and manufacturing facility in the West Midlands Combined Authority area.

The company has more than 30 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of custom-built battery packs, supporting the development of new battery technologies and products, and the distribution of industrial and consumer batteries to the worldwide market.

The energy division provides a training, service and distribution centre to offer a full turnkey solution for residential and commercial battery energy storage systems.

The group has built a reputation as being specialists in renewable and battery technology, particularly the development of bespoke, custom-built battery packs. Mark and AceOn have been selected by the UK Government as one of its Export Champions."

[hedgehog 100] 08/8/2023 18:32

"INVESTMENT IDEAS

How to invest in battery storage

Large-scale battery-storage assets are key enablers of the energy transition. A small subset of London-listed investment trusts offer private investors a way into the sector

August 8, 2023
By Jennifer Johnson

It took a single lightning strike to instantly shut down 5 per cent of the UK's power on 9 August 2019. The bolt hit a transmission circuit just before 5pm, triggering a rare simultaneous outage at both the Hornsea offshore wind farm and the Little Barford gas power station. The loss of these large generators meant that the frequency of the country’s electricity grid fell to 48.8 hertz – below the lower limit of 49.5 hertz at which National Grid's Electricity Systems Operator (ESO) must maintain the power system.

When this kind of drop-off occurs, power is automatically shut off somewhere on the network to prevent frequency from falling further. In this instance, it just so happened that the lights went out in parts of central London as rush hour was getting under way. Traffic lights stopped working, trains ground to a halt and passengers stranded on platforms navigated out of stations using the torches on their mobile phones.

Although power and services were mostly restored within a few hours, the 9 August blackout was the UK’s largest in more than a decade – and it could have been much worse. Batteries were part of the reason the disruption was contained. At the time, National Grid (NG.) had a total of 200 megawatts (MW) of its own frequency-response batteries at its disposal. These assets are able to provide on-demand electricity in the event of a shortfall elsewhere on the network.

The grid operator was also able to call on nearly 300MW of battery storage put in place by other organisations. “When the battery storage assets detected that drop in frequency, they ramped up their output milliseconds later,” explains Markuz Jaffe, an investment companies analyst at Peel Hunt. “This really speaks to the value they have on the grid.”

By the end of the decade, the consultancy Rystad Energy predicts that the UK will have some 24 gigawatts (GW) of battery storage installed – with enough energy in reserve to power 18mn homes for a year. As the country comes to rely on renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, reliable sources of back-up power will be needed for days without a strong breeze or adequate sunshine.

In the recent past, gas or coal-fired power stations were responsible for grid-balancing activities. Some facilities, known as peaking plants, are only ever brought online to provide support during periods of high electricity demand. But as the UK moves towards a net zero energy system, it will need to stop relying on these fossil fuel assets. Last autumn, Drax (DRX) delayed the closure of its coal units at the request of the UK government, in order to provide 1.3GW of emergency back-up following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the energy market turmoil that followed. But Drax has said it will not do the same this year, citing "technical, maintenance and staffing reasons". The UK's only other coal-fired power station, meanwhile, is due to close next year. But battery assets can pick up the slack. As of last month, there was 2.4GW of battery storage capacity operating in the country, as well as 66GW somewhere in the development pipeline. On a cold day in the UK, peak UK electricity demand stands at around 60GW

The opportunity for investors seems obvious: policy dictates that there should be a massive battery build-out in the near future, but work has only just begun. “There are a lot of new assets coming online, and the revenue is predictable to a certain extent because we know how power demand varies throughout the day,” Jaffe says. “You’ve also got the backdrop of the electrification of transport and heating, and more renewables coming onto the grid. Batteries stand to benefit from all these factors that might inject volatility into the system.” ... "

[hedgehog 100] 05/8/2023 17:26

"Fremantle Highway: Disaster averted as burnt car carrier reaches port

1 day ago

By Paul Kirby
BBC News

More than a week after fire swept through a cargo ship carrying almost 4,000 cars in the North Sea, the crippled ship has been towed into port in the north-east of the Netherlands. ...

The Dutch coast guard stressed the cause of the fire on the 11-deck ship was unknown and authorities were careful not to speculate. But an audio recording emerged of one rescue worker suggesting it had started in the battery of an electric vehicle and "it appears an electric vehicle exploded too".

Of the 3,783 cars on board the ship, 498 were electric vehicles. ..."




The Freemantle Highway shipping disaster has highlighted the great fire risk of many existing batteries, with cheaper Chinese lithium ion batteries being particularly risky.

Which highlights the case for safer alternative battery technology, and domestic production.

Both areas which could potentially be an excellent RTO into ARA.

[hedgehog 100] 02/8/2023 21:54

From TradingView.com:-

"AURA RENEWABLE ACQUISITIONS PLC ORD GBP0.01"

"6.75GBXD 0.00 0.00%"

"ARA technical analysis"

"Summary Oscillators Moving Averages"

"Buy Neutral Strong buy"

[hedgehog 100] 02/8/2023 18:53

From Investing.com:-

"Aura Renewable Acquisitions PLC (ARA)"

"6.75 0.00 0.00%"

"ARA Technical Analysis"

"Summary: STRONG BUY
Moving Averages: STRONG BUY Buy (10) Sell (2)
Technical Indicators: STRONG BUY Buy (8) Sell (1)"