German utility RWE is planning to use lithium-ion battery technology to help it accommodate rising amounts of solar energy generated on its network.
German utility RWE is planning to use lithium-ion battery technology to help it accommodate rising amounts of solar energy generated on its network.
The company has placed an order with Parker’s Energy Grid Tie (EGT), a division of Parker Hannefin, for an energy storgage solution that will enable it to defer investment in the grid, reduce solar generation curtailment and improve power quality.
The energy storage system, housed in a container, consists of a Parker 890PX series grid-tie inverter paired with LG Chem lithium-ion batteries. The project will enable RWE to test the storage system in critical grid situations as well as provide a model for the future development of the German grid and market, said Parker.
According to RWE, Westnetz, the largest distribution system operator in Germany, faces huge challenges in rural grid areas due to the increasing levels of solar PV generation on its network, particularly in the peak summer months. Traditionally, stabilisation efforts would require the operator to reinforce network infrastructure with new distribution lines and distribution transformers.
The battery energy storage solution will enable peak solar generation above the network limit to be stored during daylight hours and released later as required. It will be a 250 kW system with a capacity of 1 MWh energy storage and will be installed in September 2015.