US-based Western Power Distribution (WPD) said that it will install five of General Electric’s (GE) Durathon 100kWh energy storage systems by the end of 2013.
WPD will install the systems as part of the Ofgem-funded ‘Project FALCON’ (Flexible Approaches to Low Carbon Optimised Networks).
The company will install the 100kWh systems at high voltage substations in Milton Keynes, reported Solar Power Portal.
Ofgem’s Low Carbon Network Fund aims to use the storage systems to help develop a computer-based modelling tool to help identify the best way of investing in the network.
WPD innovation and low carbon networks engineers Ben Godfrey said the company have chosen the Durathon energy storage system because it provides the performance and functionality that will be small enough to fit into its network’s substations.
"The real-time performance data collected during the trial will help us manage our network more efficiently, which, in the long run, should minimise costs for customers," Godfrey added.
GE Energy Storage general manager Prescott Logan said the Durathon energy storage systems will help the utility distribution network.
"It is designed to provide vital data that can be used to enhance utility services and reduce operating expenses — a saving that could ultimately be passed on to customers," Logan added.