Ameresco Gets EPCM Contract for Large Distribution BESS for 537.5 MW

The substation energy storage systems will be built to address the emergency reliability risks identified in the Governor’s Emergency Proclamation aimed at utilizing clean energy resources to address electric power shortages due to extended drought, wildfire, and heatwaves.

The contracted systems will be located at three distinct distribution-level substation parcels in SCE’s service territory to efficiently provide for the electricity demands in the San Joaquin Valley, Rancho Cucamonga and nearby communities and the Long Beach area. The systems equate to 537.5 MW with a four-hour duration, for a total of 2,150 MWh.

"SCE sees a growing role for battery storage as we transition to delivering 100% clean renewable energy to customers,” said Kevin Payne, President and CEO of SCE.

The three substation systems are a novel approach for incorporating advanced energy storage at the distribution level to solve overall system capacity and reliability needs.

They will be operated in a manner which maximizes reliability of the grid by charging during periods of excess generation and discharging during periods of need. The project will utilize a turnkey Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Maintenance (EPCM) contracting mechanism.

“Innovative cleantech projects of this magnitude have the ability to provide transformative solutions to regions in need of reliable and resilient energy,” said George Sakellaris, CEO, Ameresco.