Saft has delivered and installed a turnkey energy storage system for Bermuda Electric Light Co (BELCO). The system provides up to 10 MWe for spinning reserve and frequency response to maintain grid stability. It includes lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, power conversion and ancillary equipment.
Like many islands, Bermuda has relied on imported fuel to generate its electricity. However, the island is modernising its approach to generation, distribution and sales after the government passed the Electricity Act in 2016. This prompted BELCO to develop a long-term plan, which includes measures to improve energy efficiency and energy storage.
Spinning reserve is named for the historic practice of keeping generators idling at low speed so that they are ready to ramp up to full power within a few minutes. The Saft ESS provides ‘spinning reserve’, allowing the operator to switch off generators. In addition, the ESS provides frequency response services, by injecting or absorbing energy to or from the grid within seconds to maintain consistent frequency. As the turnkey supplier of the ESS, Saft carried out the design, delivery and installation of the ESS and connection to BELCO’s grid.
Saft has already built the containerised Li-ion battery systems for the 5.5 MWh storage capacity ESS in Jacksonville, Florida. In addition to the batteries, the ESS integrates control and monitoring equipment, as well as power conversion components supplied by ABB.
BELCO expects to save approximately $2 million per year in operating and maintenance costs with its ESS.
