Canadian Solar Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiary CSI Solar have re-branded CSI Solar’s utility-scale battery energy storage subsidiary and platform. Previously functioning under the name CSI Energy Storage, the company will now be known as e-STORAGE and will operate as a distinct business unit under CSI Solar.

e-STORAGE launches with nearly 26 GWh of energy storage projects in its total pipeline and over $1.7 billion of contracted revenues as of July 2023, up from $1 billion in January 2023.

At the core of the e-STORAGE platform is SolBank, a self-manufactured, lithium-iron phosphate chemistry-based battery engineered for utility-scale applications. With the proprietary SolBank product, e-STORAGE offers its customers end-to-end, turnkey battery storage solutions. To date, the Company has deployed more than 2.7 GWh of battery energy storage solutions across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and China.

e-STORAGE currently operates two fully automated, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and expects to reach an annual capacity of 10 GWh.

Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar, comments: “We are thrilled to launch e-STORAGE and accelerate the growth of our integrated utility-scale battery energy storage business. By creating a distinct e-STORAGE brand for our utility-scale turnkey battery storage business, we are further demonstrating that our battery energy storage business has risen to equal significance of long-standing solar business.”

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The California Energy Commission (CEC) has granted approval to EG4 Electronics LLC’s request to include its inverter equipment on the Energy Commission’s Solar Equipment Lists. This decision marks a significant milestone for EG4 Electronics’ product line, starting with the EG4 18kPV.

Now officially listed on the CEC’s Solar Equipment Lists, the EG4 18kPV is an all-in-one hybrid solar inverter with an impressive 18kW of photovoltaic (PV) input and 12kW of continuous output power.

Key features of the EG4 18kVP include:

All-in-One Hybrid Inverter: Efficient and economical for homeowners and small commercial facilities, the EG4 18kPV combines the functionality of an inverter and a solar charge controller in a single unit.

Scalable Design: The all-weather-rated scalable design of the EG4 18kPV is compatible with larger homes and small commercial facilities.

Integrated Wire Box: Equipped with 200A breakers, the EG4 18kPV includes an integrated wire box that enables smart home monitoring. Whole House Backup: Able to power the entire house with just one unit, the EG4 18kPV saves on installation costs and provides a seamless backup solution.

“We are proud to offer the EG4 18kPV as an efficient and reliable solution for homeowners and small businesses seeking sustainable energy options,” says Naveen Tera, director of engineering. “We look forward to introducing additional innovative products to the market in the near future.”

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Avangrid Inc., a sustainable energy company and member of the Iberdrola Group, has successfully reached a capacity of 8.6 GW through its 70-plus wind and solar facilities in operation across the country, which generate the electricity equivalent to powering over 2.8 million homes.

“Our capacity milestone is a significant achievement for Avangrid, as it demonstrates our unwavering dedication to accelerating the energy transition in the U.S.” says Pedro Azagra, Avangrid CEO. “As the third largest renewable energy operator in the country, we are proud to play an important role in delivering clean, renewable power to our clients, while also fostering economic development and bringing important benefits to the communities in which we are present.”

Avangrid operates a portfolio of 75 wind and solar facilities in the country and has a presence in 24 states. The company will commemorate its capacity milestone with a social media campaign, highlighting its investments and presence in each of the state.

Image by jcomp on Freepik.

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The project will cover five acres, and be built alongside Sherco Solar, Xcel Energy’s 710MW solar plant that is currently under construction in the area.

The facility will make use of Form Energy’s “multi-day” storage solution, which aims to use an iron battery, rather than one made of lithium, to deliver power without harmful emissions.

Form Energy will begin construction in the second quarter of next year, and expects to finish work on the facility “as early as 2025”, according to Xcel Energy. It is one of two identically-sized projects Form is deploying for Xcel, the other being in Colorado.

Both the new battery plant, and the existing Sherco project, will be necessary components of the Xcel’s plans to triple the solar capacity of its upper Midwest network by 2028.

“Multi-day battery storage has the potential to help us better harness the renewable energy we generate while ensuring the grid remains reliable for our customers,” said Bria Shea, regional vice president of regulatory policy at Xcel Energy–Minnesota. “We look forward to bringing this system online at our Sherco site and learning more about the role it can play in our larger effort to reach 100% carbon-free electricity.”

Form Energy claims that the iron-air batteries could discharge electricity for up to 100 hours, and improve the resilience of the energy network as a whole. Announced in 2021, the process relies on the rusting, or reversible oxidation, of iron, where oxygen in the air turns metallic iron into rust as the battery discharges. As the battery charges, the rust is converted back into iron, meaning the charging and discharging processes only produce oxygen.

The company has received support from those in the industry this year, beginning in April, when the technology received a US$20 million grant from VC firm Breakthrough Energy for its projects in Minnesota and Colorado.

More recently, Form Energy signed a “definitive agreement” with US utility Georgia Power, and began construction at its manufacturing plant in West Virginia, with several states evidently eager to implement the technology.

CEO Matteo Jaramillo did an end-of-year Q&A with Energy-Storage.news, which you can read here.

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The Report adds that there is now a total of 71.4GW/100.9GWh in the pipeline, including 24.4GW/40GWh with planning approval.

Centrica to build 130MWh project in Scotland

The B2B arm of large utility Centrica – Centrica Business Solutions – has confirmed it has secured the development rights for a 65MW two-hour battery energy storage system (BESS) – its largest to-date.

The 130MWh BESS, which is to be located in Abernethy, Scotland, will store renewable energy generated by offshore wind farms in the North Sea, it said last week (6 July).

According to Centrica, the BESS is scheduled to be connected to the grid in 2028 and could discharge energy up to four times a day. This could provide a key balancing mechanism for the UK grid and ensure ample renewable energy is provided throughout periods of peak demand.

The project forms part of the energy company’s ambition to deliver around 1GW of low-carbon energy assets and will join a 30MW BESS in Aberdeenshire, which is scheduled to go live in mid-2024.

“The new battery storage site is our biggest project to date, and demonstrates our long-term commitment to improving the energy independence of the UK,” said Gregory McKenna, managing director at Centrica Business Solutions.

“If the country wants to achieve a reliable, secure and decarbonised power system, then battery storage sites must be the rule rather than the exception. Storing energy at times of surplus to keep the lights on during times of peak demand will be key to delivering on these ambitious targets.

Original article on Solar Power Portal.

Pulse Clean Energy and Habitat bring 100MWh online

Developer Pulse Clean Energy and optimiser Habitat Energy have together activated four BESS projects totalling 100MWh, they announced last week (6 July).

The projects – Briton Ferry and Tir John in South Wales, Willoughby in Warwickshire and Flatworth in the North East of England – were acquired by Pulse as part of a diesel-to-battery conversion programme.

Habitat worked closely with Pulse since it acquired the projects, which are replacing diesel sites, with the optimiser advising through development and managing asset onboarding.

Jon Doughty, UK managing director of Habitat Energy added: “The UK energy system is rapidly evolving and battery storage is absolutely critical to the success of that evolution. Our combination of AI-powered analytics and expert human optimisers is fundamental to achieving market-leading results in this continuously changing market.”

Habitat last week announced it would optimise over 500MW of BESS projects for Gresham House, one of three investors with energy storage-focused listed funds in the UK, along with Harmony and Gore Street Capital. The latter also made its own announcement last week, covered below.

Gore Street to energise Stony BESS at end of July

Gore Street Energy Storage Fund, managed by Gore Street Capital, confirmed that energisation for a 79.9MW BESS in Milton Keynes is set to begin on 31 July.

In its latest portfolio and trading update, the BESS-focused fund said the energisation process of the Stony asset has been scheduled with National Grid ESO. Once completed, the site will bring the company’s total operational portfolio to 371.5MW.

Our sister site Solar Power Portal previously reported that Gore Street acquired the energy storage project from RES in 2021. The project was construction-ready, with all land rights, grid connections and planning consents having been secured, and Gore Street was expecting the total capex to be around £30 million spread over 12-15 months.

In its statement, he company warned of decreased revenues for its GB-based assets stating that the market faces increased saturation and declining prices. Portfolios which are solely dedicated to this market are now experiencing a fall in revenues, it added.

Gore Street said the financial year started well for the average revenue from 1-hour systems. Based on data provided by Modo Energy, its GB-based assets generated an average revenue of £7.62 per MW hour for the 6-month period from January to end-June 2023, compared to the UK average of £6.83 per MW/h for 1-hour systems during the same period. Two-hour systems were reported to have generated, on average, just 7.6% more per MW/h than Gore Street’s systems average during the period.

Gore Street partner Paula Travesso, speaking on Modo podcast recorded live at Energy Storage Summit 2023 in London in March and discussing the market in 2022, said that two-hour systems still don’t make enough revenues to justify the increased capital expenditure required.

See the original article on Solar Power Portal.

Developer Field raises £100 million for expansion, say reports

UK BESS developer Field, which is also entering Italy, has secured a £100 million (US$128 million) fundraising round for expansion according to Sky.

The firm, set up by the co-founder of utility Bulb, Amit Gudka, after its collapse in 2021, secured the capital from DIF Capital Partners, a Dutch infrastructure investor.

The report added the fundraising would be officially announced by Field in the coming weeks. Field declined to comment when asked by Energy-Storage.news.

The money will be used to expand the company’s rollout of BESS, with several sites already operational in the UK and Italy the next target. Italy country head Emanuele Taibi spoke to Energy-Storage.news for a deep-dive article into the most recent edition (35) of PV Tech Power.

It builds on a £77 million funding raise (equity and debt) Field secured in the middle of last year, as reported by our sister site Solar Power Portal.

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“INTILION has received very positive feedback from investors on its positioning, growth strategy and management. However, INTILION and HOPPECKE have come to the view that an appropriate valuation of the Company cannot be achieved in the current capital markets environment,” today’s statement read.

“Depending on the capital market environment, preparations for the IPO of the Company will be resumed at a later date. In the meantime, INTILION and HOPPECKE intend to continue the dynamic growth of the Company.”

Capital markets have been weaker over the last 18 months. European gigafactory company Northvolt described them as “cautious” when discussing a private raise it concluded last year. The FSE’s DAX index is down 1.5% since Intilion announced its plans.

The plan was to issue new shares to international investors and also for the sole owner, the Hoppecke battery company to sell some of its shareholding.

When it announced IPO plans, Intilion revealed it had grown by an average CAGR of 147% over the last few years and expects around €70 million (US$77 million) in revenues in the year to March 2024. In the ‘medium term’ it is targeting revenues of €250 million and an adjusted EBIT margin of 4-10%.

The company is mainly active in Germany, Austria and Switzerland though wants to expand to other major European markets. This year it received a 60MWh order from Deutsche Telekom for a data centre project and commissioned an ‘Innovation Tender’ solar-plus-storage project, in April and March, respectively, both in Germany.

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No more.

Battery, EV manufacturers, and energy companies like LG Chem and Panasonic have invested billions of dollars into research on energy solutions, including battery technologies and production methods to meet the high demand for lithium-ion batteries. This has dramatically reduced the cost and increased capacity for lithium-ion batteries for ESS, allowing them to take a large and growing share of the market.

In this article, we’ll examine the six main types of lithium-ion batteries and their potential for ESS, the characteristics that make a good battery for ESS, and the role alternative energies play.

The types of lithium-ion batteries

1. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP)

LFP batteries are the best types of batteries for ESS. They provide cleaner energy since LFPs use iron, which is a relatively green resource compared to cobalt and nickel. Iron is also cheaper and more available than many other resources, helping reduce costs. The overall production cost is lower as well.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk says he expects all stationary energy storage products will embrace LFP battery chemistry and make the transition.

LFP batteries have a lower power density, but this characteristic is less important for energy storage systems than it is for EVs, as ESS can occupy larger spaces without concern. While LFP batteries are heavier, that’s only a concern during the initial installation.

LFP batteries are also safer because thermal runaways are less likely, and they have a higher life cycle (between 2,000 and 5,000 cycles) than most other Li-ion battery technologies.

2. Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC)

NMC batteries are a popular type of Li-ion battery for several reasons. They feature both strong energy and power density, and they are relatively safe compared to other types of lithium-ion batteries when it comes to thermal runaways.

However, they offer a significantly lower number of life cycles compared to LFP batteries, generally between 1,000 and 2,000 cycles.

NMC batteries also require cobalt and nickel, which are more expensive and harmful to the environment. There is also significant concern about shortages in these minerals, which can significantly impact both cost and availability.

3. Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA)

NCA batteries are similar to the NMC with some key differences. While providing higher energy density than NMC batteries (allowing them to store more energy per unit volume), they also are more prone to thermal runaways.

Similar to NMC batteries, NCA batteries have about 1,000 to 2,000 life cycles and also depend on cobalt and nickel for manufacturing.

4. Lithium-Ion Manganese Oxide (LMO)

LMO batteries are quickly losing popularity because they offer the same characteristics as LFP batteries, but with a much smaller number of life cycles, often as few as 500-800.

While the production cost is a bit lower than LFP batteries, the short lifespan creates challenges for the total cost of operation and increases replacement costs.

LMO batteries do charge quickly, provide high specific power, and can operate efficiently at higher temperatures than some other types of batteries. As such, they are most widely used in portable power tools, medical instruments, and some electric vehicles.

5. Lithium-Ion Cobalt Oxide (LCO)

LCO batteries were one of the first Li-ion battery chemistries to have existed. Found commonly in laptops and smartphones, LCO batteries offer low power. They are best used for applications that require extremely lightweight solutions and do not need high power since they can deliver their energy over an extended period under low-load applications.

However, LCOs have short lifespans, typically between 500 and 1,000 cycles, and low thermal stability which prevents use in high-load applications. This makes LCOs a poor candidate for ESS.

6. Lithium Titanate Oxide (LTO)

LTO batteries feature a very high life cycle, often up to 10,000 life cycles, and are less polluting than most alternatives. They can also charge quickly, although that’s not necessarily an important feature for ESS installations.

LTOS have a lower energy density, which means they need more cells to provide the same amount of energy storage, which makes them an expensive solution. For example, while other battery types can store from 120 to 500 watt-hours per kilogram, LTOs store about 50 to 80 watt-hours per kilogram.

What makes a good battery for energy storage systems

Maximising battery output for ESS requires several key factors that must be taken into consideration:

High number of cycles

Different types of batteries have different life cycles depending on the number of charge and discharge cycles they can complete before losing significant performance. Today’s EV batteries have longer lifecycles. Typical auto manufacturer battery warranties last for eight years or 100,000 miles, but are highly dependent on the type of batteries used for energy storage.

Energy storage systems require a high cycle life because they are continually under operation and are constantly charged and discharged. Battery capacity decreases during every charge and discharge cycle. Lithium-ion batteries reach their end of life when they can only retain 70% to 80% of their capacity. The best lithium-ion batteries can function properly for as many as 10,000 cycles while the worst only last for about 500 cycles.

High peak power

Energy storage systems need to support high surges in demand for electricity, as they are used to meet energy needs during periods of peak demand in electrical grids.

Energy needs occur unevenly but ESS can shift charging to times when energy is cheaper or more available. By storing energy during low demand and releasing it when needed, it can dramatically reduce costs.

Low production cost

Energy storage systems require an impressive number of cells to meet energy demands. For example, the amount of energy used per hour is measured in megawatt-hour (MWh). For EV batteries, it is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). That’s 1,000 times greater!

Because the quantity of battery cells needed is so high in ESS, more expensive battery technologies are not economically viable.

Minimised chances of thermal runaway events

Thermal runaway remains a serious consideration. When a lithium-ion battery reaches an uncontrollable, self-heating state, it can result in fire, smoke, and ejection of gas, particulates, and shrapnel.

Thermal runaways occur at different temperatures for different types of lithium-ion batteries. For example, NCA, NMC, and LCO are types of lithium-ion batteries that are at risk of thermal runaway events at lower temperatures. LFP batteries are the safest.

Weight and size are not important

Unlike EVs that need to manage weight and size carefully, the weight and volume of the battery do not matter in ESS operations as these installations are typically installed in containers or storage units.

The cost of the land where ESS are installed is usually low, so the battery’s size has little impact on cost. Weight is unimportant because it does not affect the battery’s performance as it does in electric vehicles.

ESS and LFP batteries are essential for the future of ‘alternative energies’

The need for electrical power keeps growing at an accelerating rate. In fact, McKinsey projects electric power consumption will triple by 2050 globally. Everything that we use requires power, and EVs add an increased burden on the electric grid.

Traditional forms of energy (such as nuclear, hydroelectric, and coal power) simply cannot meet the growing demand. There are significant regulatory hurdles and building restrictions in many countries. Even where hurdles can be cleared, it can take 10 years or longer to build infrastructures.

Installations for alternative energy sources like wind and solar power can often be built much faster as requirements are less complicated and public support is growing. The International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights the growth in clean energy sources, expecting an increase in capacity by a third from 2022 to 2023.

Alternative energies will likely take an important place in our future, but they are dependent on the weather. They cannot generate power at a steady rate, so they need ESS to store energy, meet periods of peak demand, and provide energy even when weather conditions are not right.

Energy storage systems also make electric power plants more efficient by smoothing out power peaks. They also help deliver a more consistent and regulated power, which can extend the lifespan of power plants.

All of this points to LFP batteries as a good bet for the future. LFPs are well-suited to meet the needs of ESS due to their high life cycle, low production cost, and low risk of thermal runaway.

Recently, the LMFP battery—a type of LFP battery that includes manganese as a cathode component—was announced with promising performance for EVs. Depending on the production cost, this new type of cell chemistry could become a competitive solution for energy storage systems.

About the Author

Stéphane Melançon is battery expert at Laserax, a provider of innovative laser technology tailored specifically for the automotive and electric vehicle sectors, battery production, foundries, primary metals, surface preparation and heavy equipment industries. Technical expert and consultant in batteries and electrical propulsion systems, Stéphane holds a Physics degree with specialisations in Photonics, Optics, Electronics, Robotics, and Acoustics. Invested in the EV transformation, he has designed industrial battery packs for electrical bikes. In his free time, he runs a YouTube channel on everything electrical.

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Arizona Public Service (APS) has issued a 2023 All-Source Request for Proposal (RFP), seeking project proposals from developers for flexible and innovative energy resources that will fuel increasing power needs as more people and businesses move to Arizona.

This 2023 RFP comes on the heels of freshly inked agreements for new clean energy resources purchased through a 2022 All-Source RFP. Projects secured through the 2022 RFP will start to launch next year, as customers are expected to benefit from more than 1,050 MW of solar and wind power combined. In total, that’s enough energy to serve about 157,500 Arizona homes. New energy storage with a capacity to store more than 1,430 MW of power from the sun will also serve communities even after sunset.

With the 2023 All-Source RFP now open, APS is:

Adding more clean power: At least 700 MW will be earmarked for renewable energy projects, helping to serve customers with 100% clean, carbon-free electricity by 2050 and growing a resource portfolio that is already 51% decarbonized.

Maintaining reliable energy: APS customers benefit from smart energy investments. This solicitation advances clean energy, while keeping customers safe with reliable power. Developers can bid their unique energy projects or submit proposals to additional categories in the RFP to maximize existing power plant output.

Serving customers: APS resource planners ensure the best combination of technologies for customers. All technologies are on the table and will be evaluated to support a diverse and affordable energy mix for Arizona. Project proposals may span from solar, wind and battery energy storage to natural gas resources that can transition to clean hydrogen fuel in the future.

Being transparent and fair: This RFP is focused on projects that will be ready to serve customers as soon as 2026. Each project will be reviewed against an overt and objective benchmark to ensure customer value. A third-party independent monitor will oversee this process. This RFP was developed in collaboration with the APS Resource Planning Advisory Council (RPAC) through an open stakeholder process.

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Duke Energy customers in Northern Kentucky are benefiting from additional clean, renewable solar energy thanks to a new utility-scale solar project.

Kentucky’s largest rooftop solar array – over 5,600 photovoltaic panels – is now generating power for area homes and businesses. The array is located on the roof of the 800,000-square-foot Amazon Air Hub, which is adjacent to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. This Duke Energy facility will feed up to 2 MW of solar power directly onto the electric distribution grid, energizing approximately 400 homes and businesses in the area.

Duke Energy Kentucky is making cost-effective incremental additions to its existing electric generation to support growth across the region and ensure Northern Kentucky customers benefit from clean, affordable and reliable energy for many years to come.

This new solar project is a joint partnership between Amazon and Duke Energy, aligning with both companies’ renewable energy goals. The location on Amazon’s Air Hub is ideal for multiple reasons, including a substantial and accessible flat roof, which receives optimal sunlight, and it is near the infrastructure needed to feed the solar energy onto the distribution grid and then to nearby customers.

“We built Amazon’s Air Hub with sustainability in mind,” says Chris Roe, Amazon director of energy and sustainable operations. “We’re excited to host this solar project on our rooftop in collaboration with Duke Energy and help provide a new source of clean electricity to the local community.”

Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky, a subsidiary of North Carolina-based Duke Energy, provides electric service to 900,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in a 3,000-square-mile service area in Ohio and Kentucky.

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First Solar Inc. has entered into a five-year revolving credit and guarantee facility for $1 billion. The facility includes up to $250 million which is available for the issuance of letters of credit. J.P. Morgan Chase Bank acted as lead arranger and is administrative agent for the facility.

“This agreement underscores First Solar’s bankability and is underpinned by the strong fundamentals that drive our business today,” says Mark Widmar, CEO, First Solar. “This revolving credit facility provides us the financial headroom and flexibility we need, while also balancing our ability to grow in response to demand for our technology.”

First Solar, the only U.S.-based company among the world’s ten largest solar manufacturers, has embarked on a growth strategy which will add approximately 8 GW DC of new capacity between the second half of 2023 and 2026 when it expects to have a global manufacturing footprint of over 20 GW DC.

First Solar is scheduled to commission a new 3.4 GW DC manufacturing facility in India in the second half of this year while expecting to add a new 3.5 GW DC factory in Alabama in late 2024 and expanding its existing footprint in Ohio by 0.9 GW DC by 2026. It is also investing up to $370 million to construct a new research and development center in Perrysburg, Ohio, which is expected to be commissioned in 2024.

“J.P. Morgan is proud to support First Solar’s efforts to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy,” says Mike Lister, head of J.P. Morgan Energy Power & Renewables Corporate Banking.

Additional banks participating in the facility include joint lead arrangers Bank of America, Citibank, Credit Agricole CIB and PNC Bank. Participating lenders are BNP Paribas, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, HSBC Bank USA, MUFG Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and Truist Bank.

Image by jcomp on Freepik.

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