Distributed Energy Resources, Industrial  -  February 14, 2023

Turlock Irrigation District Receives Energy Storage Units

Two Energy Warehouse (EW) systems were delivered to the Turlock Irrigation District (TID) in Central California to support a solar system. 

The energy storage units were delivered by ESS Inc., a manufacturer of long-duration energy storage systems for commercial and utility-scale applications. 

Supporting TID’s Project Nexus, the EWs will be paired with the first-ever installation of solar panels over irrigation canals in the U.S. Project Nexus is expected to be complete in 2024. 

Project Nexus aims to generate clean energy while conserving water resources in an increasingly arid California. Recent research at the University of California, Merced demonstrates that up to 13 GW of solar capacity could be installed over California’s canals, which would require approximately 3 GW of energy storage and contribute significantly to the state’s clean energy and water conservation goals.

TID will use ESS technology to demonstrate the key role of long-duration energy storage in delivering reliable, dispatchable clean energy 24/7. ESS technology was selected for its inherently safe and non-toxic characteristics, making it preferable for sitting adjacent to water infrastructure. 

Funding for the project is provided by the State of California and administered by the Department of Water Resources. The project will shade canals with solar panels that will reduce evaporative losses while generating clean energy.

“Long-duration energy storage is the key that will enable Project Nexus to not only conserve water and generate renewable energy, but provide on-demand, clean power 24/7,” said Hugh McDermott, ESS senior vice president, business development and sales in a statement. “This project addresses multiple climate challenges at once and is the kind of innovative approach that will build a climate-resilient future.”