INDUSTRY UPDATES
businesswire | April 13, 2023
ESS Tech, Inc. a leading manufacturer of long-duration energy storage systems for commercial and utility-scale applications, today announced that it will deliver three Energy Warehouse systems to Coldwell Solar, a major developer and builder of renewable energy projects for California’s commercial, agricultural and utility sectors. The systems will be installed in a solar + storage microgrid at Roederer Estate, Scharffenberger Cellars and Domaine Anderson, California wineries in Mendocino County known for their sparkling and still wines. Coldwell Solar worked with the wineries to design a system that met their needs and the microgrid is expected to be operational in late 2023.
“The wineries needed an energy storage solution that could withstand the elements and operate safely in a wildfire-prone region. With its inherent safety and low carbon footprint, ESS technology was the only option that meets the energy resilience and sustainability needs of our customer. We look forward to partnering with ESS on future projects to accelerate clean energy deployments in the state,” said Sean Hood, COO of Coldwell Solar.
The ESS solution will safeguard Roederer Estate, Scharffenberger Cellars and Domaine Anderson against the impacts of Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events and other grid interruptions to ensure resilient winery operations 24/7, demonstrating the key role that energy storage can play in rural agricultural applications and supporting the operations of a major employer in the region. In addition, the winery will avoid significant demand charges and realize energy savings by utilizing ESS technology to reduce grid electricity use during peak periods. The ability to reduce grid demand during late afternoon and evening periods will also support the stability of the local grid.
“Our safe and sustainable long-duration energy storage systems are ideally suited to a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications. We’re pleased to support these wineries’ commitment to sustainability while providing the energy security needed to continue delivering economic benefits to the Mendocino region,” said Hugh McDermott, SVP of business development for ESS.
ESS’ long-duration energy storage technology is safe and non-toxic, making it ideal for wildfire prone regions. The company’s battery modules have been certified to the UL 9540A and UL 1973 standards, affirming ESS modules’ quality, resilience and ability to operate safely.
ESS iron flow technology provides cost-effective long-duration energy storage and is ideal for applications that require up to 12 hours of flexible energy capacity. ESS technology is safe, non-toxic and has a 25-year design life without capacity fade.
About ESS Tech Inc
At ESS our mission is to accelerate global decarbonization by providing safe, sustainable, long-duration energy storage that powers people, communities and businesses with clean, renewable energy anytime and anywhere it’s needed. As more renewable energy is added to the grid, long-duration energy storage is essential to providing the reliability and resiliency we need when the sun is not shining, and the wind is not blowing.
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INDUSTRY UPDATES
prnewswire | April 27, 2023
Nevados Engineering, Inc., the solar tracker company that is transforming utility-scale PV deployment, is partnering with Energix Renewables, a global renewable energy developer and independent power producer (IPP), to provide its all-terrain technology platform as part of a long-term solar tracker supply agreement and strategic collaboration. Energix will use American-made Nevados solar trackers to minimize grading on domestic projects with severe topographical challenges. Energix Renewables currently has over 6 GW in its U.S. solar project pipeline. Nevados' partnership will enable Energix to develop solar projects in areas with challenging slopes without the need for extensive grading.
"Our goal is to build high-performing solar projects that respect the natural landscape and benefit local communities," commented Itamar Sarussi, Country Manager of Energix U.S. "The new partnership with Nevados means Energix can deploy best-in-class solar assets with minimal topographical impact and help ensure our projects on topographically diverse sites are successful."
"We applaud Energix for protecting the integrity of the land and watershed as they build and operate solar assets," commented Jenya Meydbray, Chief Commercial Officer of Nevados. "As the renewable energy transition spreads to regions with more variable terrain, environmentally responsible construction that eliminates grading will drive the solar industry's next phase of growth."
Energix and Nevados are beginning their partnership with three solar farms in rural Virginia, two of which are located on rolling topography in the highly regulated Chesapeake Bay watershed:
Apple Grove Solar is a 20 MW solar project in Louisa County with plans to partner with local beekeepers to implement a fully functional pollinator garden on site.
The 37 MW Endless Caverns and 25 MW River Trail solar projects are among the first large-scale solar farms to be located in Rockingham County and Carroll County, respectively.
"Since its inception, Nevados has focused on engineering innovative solar tracker technology that follows the terrain," said Yezin Taha, CEO of Nevados. "We built the most capable tracker on the market through intensive, multi-year R&D efforts that ultimately yielded our uniquely flexible bearings, highly sophisticated controls, and powerful software suite, all of which operate seamlessly in an integrated platform."
About Energix Renewables
Energix Renewables is an independent power producer (IPP) that develops, constructs, owns and operates renewable energy projects across the United States. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, Energix Renewables is one of the leading solar energy players in the Mid-Atlantic with nine operational projects, six more in construction and many more in development.
We are a global company with operations in the United States, Israel, and Poland. With approximately $500 million invested in the United States alone, we use our financial stability and extensive project experience to build projects that create long-term value for local communities, landowners, our stakeholders, and the environment.
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SOLAR+STORAGE
businesswire | May 17, 2023
AVANGRID, a leading sustainable energy company and part of the Iberdrola Group, today announced a meaningful contribution to Yale University to support innovative research projects focused on advancing the clean energy transition.
This collaboration, which began in 2019, supports research into topics such as solar energy, battery storage, electric vehicles, energy policy, clean energy leadership, market development, corporate net-zero commitments, and others related to accelerating the growth of clean energy.
“At AVANGRID, we are convinced that innovation is key to developing the solutions that we need to advance the clean energy transition,” said Pedro Azagra, AVANGRID CEO. “Strong collaborations with academic institutions, like the one we have with Yale, allow different sectors to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaborate to build a cleaner, more sustainable world for generations to come.”
“I am grateful that AVANGRID and Yale will continue to work together to advance research that addresses the climate crisis,” said Yale University President Peter Salovey. “We will support a range of ongoing sustainability and energy related studies and engage student leaders at Yale who are committed to addressing systemic environmental challenges. Our endeavors stand to accelerate the development and implementation of clean energy solutions.”
The collaboration between AVANGRID and Yale has allowed researchers to work on actionable projects with the potential to be implemented. Some of these projects include a data analysis of the company’s customers in Connecticut to study the feasibility of using solar power in AVANGRID’s circuits, the use of blockchain and IoT to track and report climate action commitments, a tailored program on “purpose-driven leadership” for executives at AVANGRID, and a study of network effect benefits from electricity grid connections.
Collaborations like this are an example of the company’s constant efforts to build strong relationships with the academic sector that promote research and innovation to allow the development of clean energy projects.
About AVANGRID
AVANGRID, Incaspires to be the leading sustainable energy company in the United States. Headquartered in Orange, CT with approximately $40 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states, AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns and operates eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs more than 7,000 people and has been recognized by JUST Capital in 2021, 2022 and 2023 as one of the JUST 100 companies – a ranking of America’s best corporate citizens. In 2023, AVANGRID ranked first within the utility sector for its commitment to the environment. The company supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2022 for the fourth consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. AVANGRID is a member of the group of companies controlled by Iberdrola, S.A.
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