The Iron Horse battery energy storage project , which will be situated adjacent to the University of Arizona Science and Technology Park, southwest of Tucson, is anticipated to be completed by the first half of 2017.
For the project, E.ON will partner with Greensmith Energy for design and integration of customised energy storage solution for TEP.
The system will be capable of providing the advantages of conventional generation system’s availability and response capabilities. With this project, TEP will be able to contribute towards grid stability through ancillary services.
The energy storage system will be capable of faster response when compared to conventional power generation to adjust to changes in power demand.
E.ON claims to have engineered the right set of technologies that fulfil TEP’s vision of managing their system efficiently and effectively.
E.ON Solar president Steve Trenholm said: "E.ON, as a provider of global energy solutions, is proud of our ability to work with a utility like TEP to provide innovative grid reliability solutions benefiting their customers.
“Beyond providing grid-scale battery storage capabilities, E.ON has partnered with utilities to provide energy through PPAs and to complete quality turnkey solar facilities."
Apart from supplementing TEP’s grid management, E.ON also provides energy to TEP from its 6.6MW Tech Park Solar and 13.2MW Valencia Solar facilities.
It has also partnered with TEP for turnkey construction of TEP’s 17.2MW solar facility at the Fort Huachuca Army Base near Sierra Vista, Arizona.
TEP senior director overseeing renewable energy programs Carmine Tilghman said: "We're working very hard to build a more resilient grid in a cost-effective way for our customers, and exploring energy storage technologies is an important aspect of our efforts.
“E.ON provides both innovative technologies and a wealth of expertise that will help us to achieve our long-term renewable energy and resource planning goals."
