AREVA and Schneider Electric Sign a Strategic Partnership Agreement on Energy Storage

Regulatory News:

AREVA (Paris:AREVA) and Schneider Electric have signed a strategic partnership agreement to develop energy management and storage solutions based on hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Under the terms of this agreement, both groups will combine their expertise in order to design and propose 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 in order to produce electricity during peak consumption periods.

This technology is operational since 2011. Connected to a 560 kW photovoltaic solar power plant on the MYRTE demonstration platform, in Corsica, the Greenergy Box™ will also be soon connected to 35 kW peak power photovoltaic panels installed in La Croix Valmer (South of France).

Schneider Electric delivers integrated solutions focused on making energy safe, reliable, efficient, productive and green. The signature of this agreement with AREVA will enable Schneider Electric to achieve grid parity for renewable energies while managing their intermittency and optimising network connection. As such, Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management, strengthens its unique position to connect all smart grid players.

Frédéric Abbal, EVP of Schneider Electric’s Energy Business commented "This agreement will create a robust commercial partnership for deploying an innovative solution in energy storage. AREVA will capitalize on the international presence of Schneider Electric and its leadership in electrical grid management, Utilities & Infrastructures, Industrial and Non-residential Commercial Buildings.”

Louis-François Durret, AREVA Renewables CEO said: "This agreement will allow AREVA and Schneider Electric to combine their experience, knowledge and achievements in energy management and storage. It will also place both companies as first of its kind players in this promising market.”

About Schneider Electric

As a global specialist in energy management, with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments. The Group has leadership positions in Utilities & Infrastructures, Industries & Machines Manufacturers, Non-Residential Buildings, Data Centers & Networks and in Residential. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, efficient, productive and green, the company's 140,000 plus employees achieved sales of €24 billion in 2012 through an active commitment to help individuals and organizations make the most out of their energy.
www.schneider-electric.com

About AREVA

AREVA supplies advanced technology solutions for power generation with less carbon. Its expertise and unwavering insistence on safety, security, transparency and ethics are setting the standard, and its responsible development is anchored in a process of continuous improvement.
Ranked first in the global nuclear power industry, AREVA’s unique integrated offering to utilities covers every stage of the fuel cycle, nuclear reactor design and construction, and operating services. The group is also expanding in renewable energies – wind, bioenergy, solar, energy storage – to become a European leader in this sector.
With these two major offers, AREVA’s 46,000 employees are helping to supply ever safer, cleaner and more economical energy to the greatest number of people.
www.areva.com