Greetings solar enthusiasts! Today, I want to dive into a revolutionary step in the world of renewable energy, particularly solar, that’s taking place in Hawaii. The Aloha state is taking big strides towards a more sustainable future, combating the issue of curtailment, and maximizing the use of solar. This major shift is set in motion with the introduction of a large, grid-scale energy storage project that’s nothing short of groundbreaking.
In partnership with Tesla, Plus Power kicked off operations for the Kapolei Energy Storage (KES) facility on Oahu, pushing the island closer towards a future independent of fossil fuels and rich in solar and wind power. This extraordinary project has the muscle to contribute 135 MW/540 MWh to the Hawaiian electric grid – a truly remarkable feat if there ever was one.
But that’s not all. Besides this principal boost, this highly advanced battery also possesses something called “virtual inertia,” mimicking the performance of a conventional spinning turbine. In simpler words, this remarkable attribute plays a pivotal role in power-smoothing, making the integration of renewable energy into the grid, like solar panels for your home, that much smoother.
Now, for every user’s peace of mind, this megastructure boasts “black start” capabilities. Simply put, this unique feature ensures grid recovery in the event of any blackout, reinforcing stability in the grid.
While the project is high-tech, it is also striking in its scale. Constructed on a substantial plot spanning 8 acres of industrial land, the project houses 158 Tesla Megapack 2 XL lithium-ferro-phosphate “shipping container-sized” batteries. These serve as the heart of this ambitious venture, making it an unprecedented upgrade in Hawaii’s transition towards a greener future.
The batteries act as the grid’s “shock absorber,” taking on roles typically performed by combustion-powered plants, and do so with significantly greater speed and efficiency. This swift reaction allows for an efficient and effective management of the solar array for homes and businesses.
The energy abundance we glean from solar has led some solar companies, including Hawaiian Electric, to curtail or turn off excessive volumes of utility-scale solar and wind. With the addition of this new energy storage, renewable energy curtailment is expected to drop by a whopping 69%. This could pave the path for more new utility-scale renewables to find their place on the grid.
According to Hawaiian Electric, this mega project could see customers saving on their electricity bills, further solidifying its appeal. As more solar companies are moving towards similar renewable-oriented projects, sustainable living sounds increasingly feasible, doesn’t it?
Beyond that, these extraordinarily large batteries possess the “black start” capability, providing a safety net in emergencies and acting as another layer to safeguard the grid. This project most certainly sets a bright precedent for future advancements in solar and wind energy deployment, assuring us that solar companies are indeed propelling us towards a sustainable future.
Without a doubt, the fundamental goal of all these advances extends beyond mere convenience or cost-effectiveness. It’s all about laying the groundwork for cleaner, greener living without compromising on reliability or affordability. As more solar companies begin to take notes, I’m excited to witness the growth and advancements that will shape the solar industry and redefine renewable energy for the better.
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/01/11/hawaiian-utility-to-balance-grid-with-540-mwh-battery/
