RWE’s largest utility-scale energy storage system goes live in California
RWE:
RWE continues to expand its renewables portfolio in the US by connecting its first utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) to an independent system operator in California. The fifth standard project also includes a capacity of 150 MWAC: solar PV facility scheduled for completion in August. BESS plant, with a capacity of 137-MWAC: and located in Fresno County, is the company’s largest to date.
The battery storage system can discharge 137 MW to the grid in four hours.
“Projects like Fifth Standard, with its co-located battery storage system, will become increasingly important to ensure that, as renewables form a bigger part of the energy mix, the electricity produced can be used when it is most needed.” said Mark Noyes. , CEO of RWE Clean Energy. “In our case, future growth is supported by a project development pipeline that includes more than 24 gigawatts of onshore wind, solar and battery storage, one of the largest in the US.”
Standard Five is located approximately 45 miles southwest of Fresno and will consist of 369,334 photovoltaic panels and cover approximately 1,600 acres. The project, which can generate enough green electricity for more than 26,000 homes, supports California’s clean energy goals as the state works toward its 2045 net zero goal.
The on-site solar panels will use a rack system with solar tracks designed to follow the sun’s path and maximize energy production. Excess energy not sent to the grid will be stored in an on-site lithium-ion battery energy storage facility. This storage system, with a capacity of up to 548 MWh, will allow the plant to maximize value by freeing up solar energy when electricity demand is highest.
Fifth Standard is expected to generate up to $10 million in revenue to local taxing jurisdictions over the course of its operations. During peak construction, the project will employ more than 300 workers.
News from RWE Clean Energy
