Rolls-Royce acquires Qinous to develop microgrid solutions

Rolls-Royce to take majority holding in power storage specialist Qinous. Back in October 2018, Rolls-Royce had acquired a 19.9 percent stake in Qinous, a Berlin-based electricity storage specialist. Now, the process went on with a further relevant step and, since 15 January 2020, the share increased to a 73.1 percent, meaning a majority stake. For the multinational, it means basically the possibility to rely on a competence center for microgrid solutions within the group’s Power Systems division, thus creating a broad range of battery storage options for microgrids of all sizes, also encouraging eco-friendly distributed power supplies.

Qinous to be crucial for the division’s microgrid activities

«Our new subsidiary is to play a pivotal role going forward. This is where we are going to pool all the division’s microgrid activities, from simple storage solutions to complete, complex microgrid solutions of various sizes and configurations. As a young, start-up-style company, Qinous brings expertise that is an ideal complement to Rolls-Royce’s industrial credentials. Together we will be able to respond quickly and with great professionalism to the demands of the market», said Andreas Schell, CEO of Rolls- Royce Power Systems Division.

QINOUS AND ROLLS-ROYCE: THE FIRST STEPS OF THE COOPERATION

The joint development work on a range of storage solutions in recent months has shown that the two companies are an excellent fit and, as Schell explained, «that we can achieve new market potential by integrating more closely. We see great market potential for sustainable power supplies, especially for distributed, environmentally-friendly MTU microgrid solutions».

ROLLS-ROYCE POWER SYSTEM’S POSITIVE RESULTS

Renewable sources, power generators and battery storage

Qinous has made a name for itself with modular, scalable, prefabricated plug-and-play battery products that combine renewable energy sources, power generators and battery storage technology. Rolls-Royce, on the other hand, is a specialist in customized energy solutions with the worldwide sales and service network of its product and solution brand MTU.

ROLLS-ROYCE PUSHING ON ELECTRIFICATION

«This even closer partnership between Rolls-Royce and Qinous is a logical and consistent step towards opening up the rapidly growing microgrid market», added Steffen Heinrich, co-founder and co-managing director of Qinous.