February 14, 2014 – Areva and Schneider Electric have signed a partnership agreement to combine their expertise to design and propose hydrogen fuel cell-based energy storage solutions that guarantee the reliability of electrical grids for isolated sites and areas where access to power is limited.

Areva will provide the Greenergy Box energy storage solution made with an electrolyzer and fuel cell. This is used to store hydrogen and oxygen from water electrolysis during periods of low energy demand to produce electricity during peak consumption periods. Schneider says this agreement will enable it to achieve grid parity for renewable energies while managing their intermittency and optimizing network connection.

“This agreement will create a robust commercial partnership for deploying an innovative solution in energy storage,” said Frédéric Abbal, executive vice-president of Schneider’s Energy Business. “Areva will capitalize on the international presence of Schneider Electric and its leadership in electrical grid management, utilities and infrastructures, industrial and non-residential commercial buildings.”