The world’s largest lithium-ion energy storage system has come online in the US, Vistra Energy announced on 6 January.
The 300MW/1.2GWh system at Vistra’s Moss Landing Power Plant in Monterey County, California, was connected to the power grid and began operating on 11 December.
The system is made up of more than 4,500 stacked battery racks or cabinets, each containing 22 individual battery modules.
The keystone project will be used to deliver grid stability, peak shifting capabilities, and allow greater renewables penetration, while supporting California’s sustainability goals and mandates.
Curt Morgan, chief executive officer of Vistra, said: “A battery system of this size and scale has never been built before. As our country transitions to a clean energy future, batteries will play a pivotal role and the project will serve as the model for utility-scale battery storage for years to come.”
Construction is already underway on Phase II, which will add an additional 100MW/400MWh to the facility by August.
Phases I and II of the Vistra Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility are backed up by long-term resource adequacy contracts with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E).
The Moss Landing site can support up to 1,500 MW/6GWh of storage capacity should market and economic conditions support it. The development permit is already in place and the site in condition for expansion.