The California Public Utilities Commission approved four energy storage projects on Thursday November 8, 2018. These will replace three outdated and obsolete gas-powered generators previously accommodating peak demand. Bloomberg reports two of the four storage projects will constitute the worlds largest batteries. California is taking strain from global warming. Therefore, it would be great if others took more action.
How Much Do We Know about the World’s Largest Batteries?
The four battery storage units will contribute over 2.0 GWh of energy storage taken together. Tesla, Dynergy and other providers will use them to replace existing fossil-fueled peaking generators. Thus, this is another step towards California’s dream of a green economy.
Moreover, the Commission’s decision aligns with Gov. Jerry Brown’s wish for the state to harvest all its energy from carbon-free sources by 2045. The intermediate goal is 50% from wind, solar and geothermal power by 2030. We welcome this because it is a step in the right direction. The current mix is 34% natural gas, 29% renewables, 15% large hydro, 13% coal and other, and 9% nuclear.
A Great Example of a Public-Private Partnership
The worlds largest batteries that the California Public Utilities Commission ordered, will replace three gas plants belonging to the Calpine Corporation. The Commission will purchase the Tesla contribution outright, while the other suppliers will own their projects.
This is a great example of a private-public partnership combining to greenify the planet with renewable energy. Because “Storage at this scale is likely now cheaper than the total cost to run the gas plants.” This is according to Alex Eller, senior energy research analyst at Navigant.
We appear to have reached another significant tipping point in the mission to make Earth a greener place for those that come after us. The first of the two worlds largest batteries by Dynergy will deliver 300 MW / 1,200 MWh. While Tesla will follow with another 182.5 MW / 730 MWh, that it can scale to 1.1 GWh in future.
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Preview Image: California Public Utilities Commission in San Francisco
