NEC Energy Solutions has won a contract to deliver a 12MW energy storage project for GIGA Storage in the Netherlands.
The project will be a part of the Test Centre for Renewable Resources at the Wageningen University and Research (WUR).
Construction and operation of the system was financed by crowdfunding on DuurzaamInvesteren.nl, raising over $4m.
The GIGA Rhino system will enable increased amounts of renewable energy on the network, making it more stable through balancing the local smart grid.
It is located at the WUR test center in Lelystad next to the Neushoorntocht wind farm and will also be used for frequency containment reserve and imbalance and curtailment services.
GIGA Storage is the owner and manager of the system, while another partner is Windnet, the owner of the local smart grid.
The project is also the recipient of a subsidy from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency within the framework of the Demonstration Energy and Climate Innovation scheme.
GIGA Storage chief executive Ruud Nijs said: “Due to the increase in sustainable renewable energy on the grid, there is an increasing need for energy storage.
“Storage and control of electricity is crucial for a reliable and affordable energy system.
“The GIGA Rhino energy storage system is the first step in making it possible to close down coal-fired power stations.”
NEC Energy Solutions sales director EMEA said: “The GIGA Rhino system is our first project in the Netherlands and we are thrilled to partner with GIGA Storage, WUR, and Windnet.
“This is a landmark project since it is not only the most powerful energy storage system in the Netherlands, but it will also stabilise the grid and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“The fact that GIGA Storage took such an innovative approach and successfully financed this project via crowdfunding shows that the excitement in grid energy storage goes all the way to the people; individuals who are putting their own money into the project.
“As we continue to expand across Europe, we look forward to working with Giga Storage on similar projects throughout the region.”