The transition to a low-carbon, and eventually zero-carbon grid, provides challenges and opportunities as increasing amounts of renewable energy are incorporated into the electric system. One of the main challenges is the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar. Grid operators must have the capability to regulate and maximize the efficient use of electricity in the grid from both baseload and intermittent sources. One of the simplest and most efficient solutions is the implementation of energy storage systems.
The project consists of the design and construction of a standalone, 200 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS). In addition to the BESS, the project includes the construction of a step-up substation to convert the voltage level, a switchyard substation and 200-foot transmission line to interconnect the project to the grid and an energy management system to monitor, operate and track the BESS remotely, as well as document the performance of the system.
The electricity generated and products (ancillary services) enabled by the BESS will be sold in the wholesale electricity market operated by Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).[1]
[1] Ancillary services are those required to support the reliability of the electricity grid. For ERCOT these services include regulation up, regulation down, responsive reserves and non-spinning reserves.
The project will help increase energy storage capacity in the Texas grid, which will allow the system operator to manage the grid more efficiently by reducing the use of ramp-up/ramp-down fossil-fuel power generating plants, as well as energy losses resulting from mismatches in supply and demand. Likewise, it will support the transition to a greener, more sustainable grid by helping integrate electricity generated by intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind. The project is expected to store up to 73,742 MWh of energy a year. As a result, the project will displace the emission of an estimated 29,930 metric tons/year of CO2, 23 metric tons/year of NOx and 16 metric tons/year of SO2. The electricity stored and delivered during one two-hour cycle of the BESS will be equivalent to serving up to 66,100 households.