ESS Tech, a leading manufacturer of long-duration energy storage (LDES) systems, has announced its participation in a utility-scale microgrid project at a Department of Defense (DoD) base.
This initiative aims to test the viability of LDES technologies for integration into real-world energy systems.
RICU: A Living Laboratory for LDES Integration:
The Rapid Integration and Commercialization Unit (RICU) at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar will serve as a testing ground for evaluating how advanced LDES technologies can be incorporated into utility-scale microgrids.
This venture involves collaboration between Indian Energy, the California Energy Commission (CEC), and the DoD.
California Energy Commission Funding:
Phase 2 of the research at RICU received funding from the CEC in May 2024 through a $4.85 million agreement with Indian Energy. This funding is aimed at demonstrating the capabilities and potential of LDES technologies for broader implementation.
Indian Energy, a Native American-owned microgrid developer and integrator, has a history of assisting Tribes and the military in achieving energy independence.
Microgrids offer a solution to the common challenges of high energy costs and unreliable power faced by sovereign territories, providing resilience and stable energy pricing.
Collaboration with Maada’oozh, LLC:
Maada’oozh, LLC, a Native American-owned energy and environmental services company, is providing procurement, logistics, and maintenance services for Indian Energy. They have been working closely with ESS to seamlessly integrate the ESS Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) into the RICU.
Over the next six months, project partners will focus on showcasing optimal applications for LDES technology in the California energy market. These use cases include solar peak shifting and grid ancillary services. After this demonstration period, the system will transition into commercial operation.
RICU Testing Facility:
The RICU testing facility in Miramar, California, features a microgrid connected to a solar array, with multiple connection points designed for energy storage integration. This infrastructure provides a versatile platform for testing and validating LDES technologies in a real-world setting.
Nicole Reiter, vice president of development at Indian Energy, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the potential of iron flow technology to provide safe, sustainable long-duration energy storage for Native communities across California and the United States.
Paving the Way for a Clean Energy Future:
Eric Dresselhuys, CEO of ESS, emphasized the significance of the CEC’s support for the project, acknowledging the crucial role of long-duration energy storage and iron flow technology in ensuring energy security for remote communities.
A recent California Energy Commission report projects that LDES resources could expand to up to 37 GW by 2045. This growth is expected to support the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources and contribute to a decarbonized, affordable, and reliable power grid.
ESS Iron Flow Technology: Deployed and Expanding:
ESS’s iron flow technology is already operational in California, with projects implemented at the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and Burbank Water and Power (BWP). Further deployments are underway in California and other locations worldwide.
Jonah Steinbuck, director of the R&D Division at the CEC, expressed pride in the ongoing partnership with Indian Energy and the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. He underscored the importance of the RICU as a unique facility for validating innovative LDES technologies and fostering market confidence in their scalability.