Creation Covenant Alliance

Evaluating Long-Duration Energy Storage in Microgrids for Military and Native Lands Use

"LDES enhances microgrid resilience, aiding U.S. military and tribal communities. DOE targets $50/kWh, promising cost cuts."

Long-duration energy storage (LDES) is ideal for applications where power is needed for extended periods, particularly when renewables or distributed energy resources aren’t producing electricity, according to Jana Gerber, president of Microgrid North America at Schneider Electric. These technologies enhance microgrid resiliency.

The U.S. military is keen on deploying LDES at mission-critical facilities to withstand cyberattacks and extreme weather, Gerber noted.

In California, where wildfires cause outages and public safety power events, the California Energy Commission (CEC) collaborates with Indian Energy, a Native American-owned microgrid developer. They aim to understand LDES technologies through various grants.

How LDES Helps Tribal Communities

For outage-prone tribal communities, LDES plays a crucial role. These communities aim for energy resilience through microgrids and renewable energy, seeking control over their energy future and reduced costs.

LDES technologies can store electricity for over 10 hours, whereas common utility-scale lithium-ion batteries store between 1.7 to 4 hours, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Options for LDES include chemical, thermal, and electrochemical technologies. Most are scalable, modular, and use inexpensive, abundant materials, posing less fire risk than lithium-ion batteries.

Targeting Lower LDES Costs

LDES providers aim to reduce technology costs, with the DOE targeting $50/kWh. Larry Zulch, CEO of Invinity Energy Systems, stated their vanadium flow batteries’ costs are now below $100/kWh. ESS, offering iron flow batteries, expects costs to drop below $200/kWh by 2030, according to Hugh McDermott, senior VP at ESS.

Solar Microgrid with LDES for Rincon Reservation

The CEC funded an 18-battery vanadium flow project by Invinity, with a total capacity of 4 MWh, in a solar microgrid for the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians near Valley Center, California. PowerFlex will install these batteries near a new 1-MW expansion of an existing photovoltaic array to store excess solar energy for day or night use.

Jan Petrenko, Invinity’s regional manager, stated the microgrid’s solar capacity is 96 MW, adding to the current 1 MW on the reservation. Without using diesel or other fuels, the microgrid can operate independently for up to 10 hours, reducing demand charges for San Diego Gas & Electric.

Testing LDES at Air Station Miramar

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar’s Rapid Integration and Commercialization Unit (RICU) is testing advanced LDES technologies in utility-scale microgrids. This effort is a collaboration between Indian Energy, the CEC, and the Department of Defense. A second research phase, funded by a $4.85 million CEC agreement, includes ESS battery, Viridium battery, EOS zinc-based aqueous liquid battery, and Amber Kinetics’ supercapacitor and flywheels.

Craig Reiter, general manager at Maada’oozh, noted that the studies might lead to multiple LDES technologies at a single site due to their varied power supply advantages.

Besides the CEC, the U.S. DOE supports LDES projects. The DOE’s Loan Programs Office committed to a $72.8 million partial loan guarantee for a solar plus LDES microgrid for the Viejas Band of the Kumeyaay Indians, which includes a 10-MWh Invinity flow battery system funded by a $31 million grant for Indian Energy to provide 100% renewable backup power.

LDES Fares Better in Specific Applications

LDES technologies are essential for deploying intermittent renewable resources, enhancing grid resilience, and reducing fossil fuel reliance.

However, their cost-effectiveness varies by application. A CEC study found that LDES supports bulk grid decarbonization and environmental justice projects cost-effectively. Yet, customer microgrid resilience requirements might make them less economical.

“New revenue streams, electric tariff structures, and incremental environmental policies could shift the economics of LDES microgrids,” the report noted. “Tariff reforms shifting from volumetric to fixed costs would hurt microgrids, while real-time pricing reforms would benefit them.”

Original Story at www.microgridknowledge.com

Trending News

Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024