Florida Power & Light (FPL), the principal subsidiary of NextEra Energy, has launched a new energy storage pilot project to test storage technology applications under real-life conditions.
The company’s move was in line with the US Government’s federal and private sector actions on scaling renewable energy and storage with smart markets.
FPL will install different types of battery systems in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties to research a range of energy storage benefits, including grid reliability and power quality.
The research has the potential to enhance the integration of renewables in the future as FPL continues to expand solar energy use to serve its 4.8 million customers.
Some of the major components of the project include reuse of electric vehicle batteries and peak shaving through small-scale installations in residential areas in Miami and repurposing second-life batteries from over 200 electric vehicles.
It also includes designing a mobile storage system that could be relocated as required for avoiding power interruptions at major, economically important events.
FPL plans to build a portable energy storage system during 2017 Miami Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on the island of Key Biscayne.
The company is also planning to build a battery backup system in the Flamingo community in Monroe County, near Everglades National Park.
FPL president and CEO Eric Silagy said: "FPL is one of the cleanest, most affordable energy providers in the nation because of our persistent commitment to investing in the future.
"We are always looking long-term, and we recognize that energy storage has enormous potential for both the reliability of the grid and the advancement of affordable clean energy."