Saft is providing a 2 MW lithium-ion (Li-ion) energy storage set of batteries in the new system (ESS) of SAET to support the integration of renewable energy resources in Enel Distribuzione’s network in southern Italy.
The order for the system, capable of delivering 2 MW of power and 1 MWh of energy storage, was placed by SAET, the Padova-based specialist in the supply of systems and installations for the production, transmission and distribution of power. The Saft Li-ion batteries will be installed and commissioned at a primary substation serving the Puglia region in Autumn 2013.
Energy storage offers an alternative approach to enabling the grid integration of renewables compared with major investments in infrastructure upgrades, such as uprating transformers. In this case, the Puglia primary substation is located in an area with a high level of inherently variable and intermittent renewable energy resources, which can cause grid issues such as reverse power flows on the high voltage/medium voltage transformers.
The Saft ESS will reduce the variability of power flow as well as making the energy exchange profile between the substation and Italy’s national grid more controllable and predictable.
Saft will provide the high power Li-ion battery energy storage system to SAET, who are Enel’s turnkey provider for the containerized battery and PCS (power conditioning system), the grid connection, systems controls and energy management system, as well as system installation and commissioning.