SDG&E to add microgrids with storage to strengthen summer grid reliability
USA, California, San Diego: Four microgrids equipped with energy storage will be added to the San Diego region to help the state meet high energy demand.
Image source: T&D World
USA, California, San Diego: Four microgrids equipped with energy storage will be added to the San Diego region to help the state meet high energy demand.
This is particularly significant on hot summer days and in the peak evening hours after solar power dissipates. These small-scale grids that can operate independent of or parallel to the larger regional grid will also help keep critical community facilities powered during unexpected outages.
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) received approval yesterday from the California Public Utilities Commission to build these projects, which will add a total of approximately 39 MW/180 MWh of storage capacity at four company substations.
“These clean energy projects will help our region become more resilient to the impacts of our worsening climate,” said SDG&E Vice President of Energy Innovation Miguel Romero. “They will dispatch clean energy to the grid when needed and keep critical facilities like schools, Cool Zones, and fire stations powered during emergencies.”
Battery storage works by capturing renewable resources like wind and solar when they are abundant during the day, then sending that energy back to the grid when it is needed. As with other SDG&E owned storage projects, these facilities will be connected to the state energy market so that the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) can dispatch these resources as needed to balance energy supply and demand throughout the state.
Source: T&D World
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