US duo raises storage bar

SDG&E and AES Energy Storage have developed a 30MW lithium-ion battery facility at Escondido in California that aims to enhance regional energy reliability and renewables use. 

The project, which the companies claim is the largest lithium-ion battery storage plant in the world, is capable of storing up to 120 megawatt-hours of electricity.

It consists of about 400,000 batteries, installed in nearly 20,000 modules and placed in 24 containers. 

“The batteries will act like a sponge, soaking up and storing energy when it is abundant – when the sun is shining, the wind is blowing and energy use is low – and releasing it when energy resources are in high demand,” the companies said.

They have also built a smaller 7.5MW storage project at El Cajon.

Image: AES