NEC energy storage system built for Consumers Energy applications
An energy storage system based in Grand Rapids, Mich., was completed last week by the efforts of NEC Energy Solutions, giving the state’s largest utility means to investigate how energy storage could aid future endeavors.
The project is centered on a 13-block district in the city’s west side known as Circuit West. It consists of two 280 kilowatt/340 kilowatt hour DSS energy storage systems and AEROS control software. NEC has guaranteed its lifespan for at least 10 years, and it is preconfigured for outdoor-rated enclosures. Consumers intends to use them to study energy storage’s possibilities, specifically in regards to avoiding further system upgrades, enhancing production of renewable energy and supporting their energy management.
“Today, there is very little storage on the grid, so electricity is generated just moments before you use it,” Garrick Rochow, Consumers Energy’s senior vice president of operations, said. “With large batteries like NEC’s energy storage solution, we will make our grid more efficient, effective and sustainable. It’s a critical part of Michigan’s energy future, and it’s happening here at Circuit West.”
Steve Fudder, CEO for NEC Energy Solutions, said the company anticipates more deployments of storage systems throughout Consumers’ service area in the future based on this test project deployment.
