Bus operator First Bus has launched its largest energy storage facility yet in Hampshire. Located at the company’s Hoeford bus depot, the 1MW battery storage unit, with a 2-hour duration, will begin operations next month. FirstGroup Energy invests in Palmer Energy TechnologyThe announcement comes as FirstGroup Energy, a subsidiary of FirstGroup, has invested in BESS manufacturer Palmer Energy Technology (PETL) and joins other investors such as bank firm Barclays or Oxford University. This will allow us to accelerate our business and give the UK a leading position in battery energy storage system technology,” said Palmer. Updated on 29.08.25 at 14:10 to include the size of the Aberdeen project and the duration of the Hampshire battery storage unit.