Widespread Outages Avoided During Record-Setting Heatwave in California Thanks To a Newly Completed Battery Energy Storage System
Finnish energy technology firm Wärtsilä announced it has completed a 125-MW/250-MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Calexico, California for renewable energy company REV Renewables. The facility is referred to as the LeConte energy storage project.
The energy technology firm notes the LeConte battery energy storage system (BESS) played a crucial role in providing grid stability during California’s record-setting heat wave in September 2022. The facility dispatched 2,000 MW of energy storage to the grid on September 5, helping the state avoid widespread power outages.
The facility was approved by the California Public Utilities Commission in early 2022 as part of a plan to construct 15,000 MW of new energy storage and demand response resources by 2032 to ensure long-term reliability and meet the state’s Renewables Portfolio Standard.
“Battery energy storage is a key component to maintaining reliability and stability of California’s electricity grid,” said Cody Hill, REV Renewables Senior Vice President, Battery Systems.
Located at a major junction point for energy producers in the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) and San Diego Gas & Electric regions, the facility is also expected to be utilized to maintain system frequency and perform peak-day operations to ease congestion on transmission lines.
The energy tech firm anticipates the LeConte BESS will help decarbonize and stabilize the electric grid by fulfilling the resource adequacy obligations of California utilities and supporting various ancillary efforts for the CAISO.
The storage facility features Wärtsilä’s compact energy storage system GridSolv Quantum as well as its energy management system GEMS Digital Energy Platform. The entire system will be maintained and optimized through the company’s Service+ solution, a comprehensive suite of lifecycle solutions.
REV Renewables is a New York-based developer and operator of energy storage and renewable generation assets.
Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Wärtsilä provides technology and lifecycle solutions to the marine and energy markets.
