Berlin-based energy storage firm Younicos will design, install and commission an upgraded 3MW battery-based energy storage system on Kodiak Island, Alaska, pursuant to an agreement with the Kodiak Electric Association (KEA).
The upgrade will replace a lead-acid battery system that was installed in 2012 with advanced lithium-ion batteries and new battery racks, for a storage system with greater operational lifetime.
The project is expected to be completed by mid-August 2017 – in time to provide grid stability for the increased seasonal levels of wind power on the island.
“Our main goal has always been to bring more renewables to the island and greatly reduce the cost and environmental impacts of using diesel fuel,” said Darron Scott, president and CEO of KEA. “We realized early on that battery storage is the best solution to help us achieve these goals, and that Younicos is a company with the right technology and expertise – as well as a passion for clean and affordable energy.”
“We’re grateful to be chosen once more by KEA to upgrade their battery storage facility,” said Jayesh Goyal, chief commercial officer of Younicos. “Their decision to collaborate again on this project demonstrates a high level of trust in both our company and our storage control technology.”
The upgrade to the system will improve the reliability of the grid and its balancing and frequency regulation abilities. This is ideal given that KEA has an ambitious 95% renewable energy by 2020 goal – which so far is mostly achieved through wind and hydro projects. The system upgrade will ensure that more renewables can be integrated into the grid.