San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has reached a significant milestone in its efforts to enhance grid reliability with the completion of two new utility-owned energy storage facilities.

The Westside Canal project, located in Imperial Valley, boasts a capacity of 131 MW, making it the largest storage asset in SDG&E's energy storage portfolio. The Fallbrook project in Northern San Diego County follows closely behind with a capacity of 40 MW. Together, these facilities provide a total of 171 MW, which is enough to power nearly 130,000 homes for four hours.

SDG&E's energy storage portfolio is set to further expand by the end of the year, reaching a power capacity of 345 MW. This will enable the utility to meet over 15% of its customers' load on a typical day and 7% on a system peak day. The energy storage assets participate in the energy markets managed by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), allowing for the storage and dispatch of clean energy from these facilities to meet electricity demand as required.

According to Miguel Romero, SDG&E's vice president of energy innovation, energy storage plays a crucial role in addressing two key challenges in California. It helps absorb surplus renewable energy during periods of low demand, preventing solar and wind farms from halting production. Additionally, it contributes to grid stability, especially during extreme weather events, by meeting the energy demand that exceeds supply. The completed projects feature stacked lithium-ion batteries housed within metal cubes and include safety measures, remote monitoring, and automation technologies for enhanced operation and security.

These latest additions build upon SDG&E's previous energy storage ventures, including the Top Gun Energy Storage Facility and the Kearny Energy Storage Facility. The company's commitment to expanding its energy storage portfolio underscores its dedication to sustainable and reliable power solutions, supporting California's transition to a cleaner and more resilient energy future.

Source: solarindustrymag.com