A123 Systems Partners in New Projects

Wednesday, 11 August 2010 09:57

0 Comments

A123 Systems, which develops and manufactures advanced Nanophosphate lithium ion batteries and systems, has announced that AES Energy Storage is deploying 44MW of A123’s Smart Grid Stabilization Systems (SGSS) for various new projects including an energy storage project in Johnson City, N.Y.

The projects, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2011, extend the business partnership established between the two companies in 2008 to develop and deploy multi-megawatt energy storage systems to increase the capacity, improve responsiveness, and enhance efficiency of assets on the electric grid. In 2009, the companies announced the commercial operation of a 12 MW frequency regulation and spinning reserve project using SGSS at AES Gener’s Los Andes substation in the Atacama Desert in Chile, the first energy storage system deployed in the country.

Robert Johnson, vice president of A123’s Energy Solutions Group, says his company’s SGSS “provide nearly instantaneous response to grid operator requests for power absorption or injection, making our technology an ideal energy resource for helping utilities perform frequency regulation and other ancillary services. A123 and AES Energy Storage have demonstrated the commercial viability of using utility-scale lithium ion batteries for grid stabilization services, and this 44MW order highlights the continuing mutual success of this business relationship as utilities and grid operators increase demand for more cost-effective, energy-efficient ancillary services.”

SGSS offer utilities a complete solution to hybridize power plants to increase efficiency, improve grid stability, and facilitate the seamless integration of renewable energy sources. To date, A123 has delivered more than 20MW of SGSS units to customers worldwide, making the company the largest producer of lithium ion batteries for ancillary services for the power grid.

AES Energy Storage President Chris Shelton, says, “With this new order, AES Energy Storage continues to build on its ability to effectively deliver energy storage services to electric grid operators around the globe. Our project development and operating capabilities combined with A123’s expertise in grid-scale products provides quality reliability services for power grid operators.”

Headquartered in Massachusetts, A123 Systems, Inc. develops and manufactures advanced lithium ion batteries and battery systems for the transportation, electric grid services and commercial markets. For additional information visit www.a123systems.com.