With buzzwords such as ‘environmentally friendly’ and ‘green energy’ entering the energy industry lexicon batteries are proving the go to technology for grid scale projects integrating renewable energy.
The latest energy storage system (EES) to come on stream in the US will be powered by Samsung SDI America batteries and management system.
The 30MW/20MW/h lithium-ion powered project has begun operations to provide power balancing, spinning reserve and black start capabilities at the El Centro generation station for utility compny Imperial Irrigation District’s (IID) grid.
The project, which began construction late last summer, has been tested and is ready to operate at full capacity, if needed.
Batteries are fast becoming the most efficient way to store energy as grid operators replace expensive fossil fuel while incorporating the fluctuating generation of wind and solar energy.