AUSTIN, Texas and BERLIN, Dec. 12, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Younicos has completed the installation and commissioning of an upgraded 36-megawatt (MW) battery-based energy storage system at the site of Duke Energy’s 153 MW Notrees Windpower Project in West Texas. The company replaced previously deployed lead-acid technology with advanced Samsung SDI lithium-ion batteries.
The Notrees system has been in operation since 2012, actively participating in Texas grid operator ERCOT’s Fast Response Regulation Services (FRRS) market. The new lithium-ion battery system will increase duration of discharge at the facility, enabling it to expand service delivery in the FRRS market. It will also have the capability to provide additional fast-responding services currently under development by ERCOT as part of its ancillary service market redesign.
“Duke Energy Renewables was a pioneer in its early adoption and installation of the Notrees Battery Storage Project, one of the largest in the nation,” said Jeff Wehner, vice president operations, Duke Energy Renewables. “Investing in updated technology will extend the life of the project, enhance performance and reliability, and expand the value it provides to the ERCOT market.”
In 2016, Duke Energy Renewables began the process to upgrade Notrees’ older battery technology, in two phases. The first phase involved replacing 50 percent of the batteries, while the system continued to operate using Younicos hybrid control software. In phase two, the remaining lead-acid batteries were replaced with lithium-ion, without any performance interruption. During this swap-out process, the remaining life of the existing lead-acid technology was maximized, showcasing the flexibility and capability of Younicos’ proprietary Y.Q software.
“We’re proud to once again partner with Duke Energy to upgrade this system, which has been the largest wind-connected storage resource in North America for over five years,” said Jayesh Goyal, Managing Director of Younicos. “Our Y.Q software performed seamlessly during the upgrade process, reinforcing its flexibility and multi-mode operational capability.”
“As we look ahead to integrating more storage technology with our renewables projects, the Notrees system demonstrates our ability to serve an important customer, ERCOT, and at the same time create value from energy storage systems,” said Spencer Hanes, managing director of business development for energy storage, Duke Energy Renewables.
About Younicos
Younicos is the pioneer and market leader in game-changing energy and grid solutions based on battery storage. We provide utilities, independent power producers, microgrids and C&I customers with turnkey storage systems, supporting a wide range of business opportunities. Younicos employs 130 storage experts in Berlin, Germany and Austin, Texas. In July 2017, Younicos was acquired by Aggreko and is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the global leader in mobile power, heating and cooling. For more information please visit www.younicos.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
About Duke Energy Renewables
Duke Energy Renewables primarily acquires, develops, builds and operates wind and solar renewable generation throughout the continental U.S. The portfolio includes nonregulated renewable energy and energy storage assets. Duke Energy Renewables’ renewable energy includes utility-scale wind and solar generation assets, which total 2,900 MW across 14 states from 20 commercial wind and 63 solar projects. The power produced from renewable generation is primarily sold through long-term contracts to utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities and commercial and industrial customers. Learn more at https://www.duke-energy.com/renewable.
Duke Energy is a Fortune 125 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com.
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