Distributed Energy Resources, Energy Efficiency  -  September 4, 2024

Commonwealth of Virginia Deploys BESS

The Commonwealth of Virginia announced the deployment of three battery energy storage systems (BESS).

The BESS are provided by EVLO Energy Storage Inc. (EVLO), a fully integrated battery energy storage systems (BESS) provider and wholly owned subsidiary of Hydro-Québec.

These projects will support the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) and are set to be commissioned in 2025 and 2026. The VCEA is positioned to transform the electric grid to 100% clean energy by 2050.

“EVLO is proud to support Virginia state’s ambitious clean energy goals by leading three important BESS projects on its territory” said Sonia St-Arnaud, president and CEO at EVLO, in a statement. “As Virginia aims to modernize its clean energy portfolio, battery energy storage systems like the EVLOFLEX are key in ensuring utilities reach their clean energy standards reliably and safely. Virginia is on a path to an affordable and reliable zero-carbon electricity grid by 2050.”

The first utility-grade energy storage solution with a 5 MWh capacity will be utilized at a facility microgrid fueled by solar power and battery storage. The microgrid will be used to study how clean technology can help further advance the grid of the future.

The second project is a standalone storage system that will enhance local grid reliability and contribute to the utility’s 100% clean energy future goal. At 75 MWh, it will be one of Virginia’s largest standalone projects once the commissioning is completed in 2025.

The third project is a solar PV project at a major transportation hub that will have an installed capacity of 225 MWh. When it is put into operation in 2026, it will be the largest battery energy storage project in Virginia.

EVLO’s BESS systems will ensure grid dependability, securing a steady supply of clean electricity to homes, communities and businesses while advancing the VCEA. Enacted in 2020, the VCEA establishes clean energy mandates with targets for wind, solar and energy storage. Utility-scale energy storage is an ideal counterpart to wind and solar, as it enhances resiliency by storing excess energy when demand is low and sending it back to the grid when demand peaks.