Galashiels pensioner receives home energy system featuring world-first battery chemistry
Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, visited the home of a Galashiels pensioner who has had installed the world’s first domestic energy storage system to use a novel battery chemistry and technology never used in homes before.
Muriel Allison is the first person globally to benefit from the Kight PowerHub – a revolutionary system designed to reduce electricity bills by an average of 75%, with potential savings of up to 85%.
It aims to tackle fuel poverty and support smarter use of renewable energy.
How does the PowerHub work?
The world-first battery chemistry within the system ensures PowerHub can deliver significant safety and durability advantages.
These include a zero-fire risk chemistry and battery technology, vital for use in domestic settings. It also offers a much longer operational lifespan, with a 25-year warranty, making it a safer and more sustainable solution for long-term energy storage.
Collaboration
The PowerHub is the result of five years of research and development, including our three years of collaboration with Kight PowerHub.
Both have also worked alongside five of the South of Scotland’s Registered Social Landlords to ensure the technology can meet real housing needs:
- Scottish Borders Housing Association
- Eildon Housing
- Waverley Housing
- Berwickshire Housing Association
- Wheatley Homes South
The installation at the home of Muriel – who is a tenant of Scottish Borders Housing Association - is the first of 11 units being deployed across the South of Scotland.
The project is initially working with RSLs in the South of Scotland due to the potential for the social housing sector to scale quickly and deliver meaningful benefits to tenants affected by rising energy costs.
The system draws on advanced research and Formula One engineering expertise, the system features a unique battery chemistry never used before in domestic settings.
The PowerHub’s integrated AI platform learns from household energy usage and grid signals to optimise savings - eliminating the need for residents to navigate complex tariffs.
How has SOSE supported Kight PowerHub?
We have contributed a grant of £233,000 towards the development costs of this innovative new technology, which will be deployed across the initial 11 Registered Social Landlord properties in the South of Scotland.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:
“Innovation is one of this country’s greatest strengths, with new technologies not only opening up further opportunities for economic growth but acting as powerful tools to tackle real life challenges in Scotland and beyond.
“High energy costs remain a concern for many thousands of households and the Powerhub project promises huge potential at offering a cutting-edge solution.
"It is great to see a world-first innovation being developed in the South of Scotland – and Muriel and other South of Scotland residents being the very first to benefit from the pilot.”
Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise Russel Griggs said:
“This project shows the power of bold partnerships to deliver real impact.
“By working with Kight and our region’s Registered Social Landlords, we’ve brought a world-first battery chemistry technology to life - right here in the South of Scotland.
“Muriel has played a vital role in this milestone, and we thank her for helping lead the way and becoming a pioneer.
“Together, we’re paving a new path to tackle fuel poverty, support residents to save money, and build a healthier, more inclusive economy.”
Muriel said:
“It’s amazing to be the first. I never imagined something like this would be in my home and I hope it helps others like me into the future.”
Founder of Kight PowerHubs Lawrence Fagg said:
“Muriel’s story is a powerful example of how technology can improve lives.
"We’re proud to start here in Galashiels, and even prouder to know this system could potentially help thousands more pensioners and families across Scotland utilising the power of AI via EnergiFlow will ensure PowerHubs households save costs, reduce carbon emissions, support the grid, and help save the planet.
“The AI control means we can minimise electricity bills and environmental impact, without residents needing to understand the complexities of time dependent or dynamic energy tariffs, we do that for them.”
Chief Executive of SBHA Julia Mulloy added:
“We’ve been delighted to be part of this, working with SOSE and the other RSLs. It’s a pioneering project which is not just about technology, it’s about people.
“With its unique qualities and potential to reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions, the PowerHub represents a transformative step forward for social housing and energy resilience.
“Muriel’s story highlights how innovation, when designed with empathy and purpose, can potentially deliver real change.”