iON+ and Hexa deal launch. Image courtesy iON+
Global energy asset management platform iON+ has launched with its first deal already inked with Japan’s Hexa Energy Services LLC.
iON+ was developed over the last seven years by Conrad Energy, a leading UK independent power producer and part of the I Squared Capital Group.
Before launch, the software was tested across the energy portfolio of Conrad Energy, which includes 80 assets representing almost 1GW of different generation and storage assets, including BESS, flexible generation, solar and wind.
iON+ software was used to increase visibility of performance and compliance, as well as to support smarter trading and operational decision-making. It was also used to help a number of optimisation customers.
Now, the new energy asset management platform has formally launched as an SaaS, announced alongside its first deal with Japanese energy provider Hexa to operate and manage their portfolio of battery energy storage systems.
The deal will see iON+ rolled out across Hexa’s portfolio of battery systems, which will be deployed at over 10 sites across the next three years in line with Japan’s seventh Strategic Energy Plan.
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According to iON+, their software is compatible with all major generation and storage technologies from any manufacturer. There are four distinct iON+ modules which can be used to improve the performance of different elements of energy asset portfolios, including operations, dispatch, optimisation, and analysis.
The version of iON+ provided to Hexa will be customised to meet the specific requirements of Japan’s electricity market, for example by managing the differences across the various TSO regions.
Commenting on the launch, CEO Tony O’Carroll said in a release: “We are delighted to officially launch iON+ and announce our first deal with Hexa.
“We have been developing the software for some years, but in truth iON+ is the product of several decades of combined experience in the energy industry. That is why we understand the challenges that the sector is grappling with, amidst an energy transition bringing about change at a rapid pace.”
Said the company’s CTO Rhys Kirk: “Infrastructure has a key role to play in powering the energy transition, but so too does intelligence.
“As the complexity of the grid increases, iON+ will help to make that complexity easier to understand, which in turn will make diverse portfolios more efficient and more profitable.
Hexa Energy Services executive manager Yuko Shah added:
“As we look to expand our portfolio of battery systems in support of Japan’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality, iON+ was a natural partner.”
According to Shah, the rollout of iON+ across their assets will provide oversight of Hexa’s battery system fleet, “which we’re proud to say will make a significant contribution to meeting Japan’s decarbonisation targets.
“Energy optimisation is essential and by working with iON+, we will be in the best position to navigate future challenges and take advantage of the new opportunities it presents.”
Hexa Energy Services has been building solar power plants across Japan with a total installed capacity of over 100MW (in operation and under development).
The company has also been developing grid-connected energy storage plants with a total capacity of over 449MWac across Japan, from Hokkaido to Kyushu.
