Big batteries can deliver big on reliability, so at SDG&E, we’re investing big in battery projects for 2018 and beyond.
In store for our customers are five new local storage projects, totaling 83.5 megawatts (MW)—equivalent to the energy stored by the batteries of more than 5,500 all-electric, long-range vehicles.
These battery facilities will soak up solar, wind and other sources of energy when it’s abundant, and release it back onto the grid when demand is high, enhancing reliability for our customers.
At SDG&E, we are always looking for innovative ways to incorporate technologies that enable us to increase the amount of clean energy delivered to our customers. Today, 43 percent of the energy that powers our customers’ homes and businesses comes from renewable sources, and we’re on track to achieve 49 percent renewable in the next few years.
Why Batteries are Crucial to Reliability
Battery storage facilities act like “shock absorbers.” When called upon by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), batteries help stabilize the grid by discharging energy at sundown, when demand sharply increases and solar energy production drops. This allows for more efficient balancing of energy supply and demand, which ensures grid stability and reduces power outages.
Building on Past Successes
If approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), two of the five lithium-ion battery energy storage facilities will be owned and operated by our company.
AES Energy Storage—our partner for the 30 MW battery storage facility in Escondido and 7.5 MW facility in El Cajon last year—will construct a 40 MW storage facility in Fallbrook. A 30 MW facility will also be built in Miramar by Renewable Energy Systems (RES).
The remaining 13.5 MW of storage will come on line at projects in Escondido, Poway and San Juan Capistrano owned by third parties, including Powin Energy, Enel Green Power North America and Advanced Microgrid Solutions.
With these projects, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to being a leader in battery storage and clean energy.