Convergent Energy + Power Awarded 35 MW Energy Storage Project
NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwired – Sep 15, 2016) – Convergent Energy + Power, a market-leading energy storage asset developer, has contracted to deliver a 35-megawatt (MW), 140 megawatt-hour system to provide targeted electric capacity and other benefits to the California grid.
The project was approved by Southern California Edison (“SCE”) as part of SCE’s highly competitive Preferred Resources Pilot solicitation, an innovative program designed to meet local demand through clean energy resources. SCE has been a leader in recognizing the ability of energy storage to address multiple grid constraints and challenges in cleaner, more responsive and cost-effective ways.
“Energy storage can provide location-targeted capacity that relieves electric system constraints and meets reliability standards, while also increasing grid flexibility and resiliency,” said Christopher Streeter, Convergent’s Chief Information Officer. “Our team is looking forward to working with SCE to support California’s broader transition to a more advanced, low-emission, cost-efficient electric grid.”
As a technology-neutral energy storage developer, Convergent offers a wide array of technology options for utilities, grid operators and project developers. The company’s projects include a 3 MWh, 6-hour continuous discharge battery used for transmission and distribution system upgrade deferral in Central Maine Power service territory; a next-generation 10 MW, 4-hour hybrid-zinc battery for Pacific Gas & Electric; as well as a 5 MW, 6-minute flywheel and 7 MW, 1-hour battery used for frequency regulation and voltage support services by the Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator.
Convergent successfully proposed to provide four hours of continuous discharge capability for peak shaving and grid balancing services in southern Orange County, an area with significant load growth that was also impacted by the recent retirement of the San Onofre nuclear plant. Beyond their reliability benefits, these new energy storage projects will also bring economic value to California’s wholesale electricity marketplace.
“This is just the beginning of a rapidly expanding energy storage industry,” adds Streeter. “Utilities — as well as electricity end-users — can take advantage of a range of reliable, responsive, and environmentally friendly energy storage solutions to address costly electricity infrastructure challenges and meet local needs. SCE’s project awards further underscore Convergent’s reputation and capabilities as a leading developer of energy storage assets in North America.”