Dominion Energy’s First Battery Storage Projects Approved
– Four pilots totaling 16 megawatts are largest projects of their kind in Virginia
– Energy storage is key to grid reliability, continued solar and wind expansion, and net zero emissions
– Grid Transformation & Security Act enables company to invest in 30 megawatts of battery storage
RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Dominion Energy Virginia received approval from the State Corporation Commission (SCC) to move forward with four battery storage pilot projects to pave the way for additional energy storage technology needed to support the company’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon and methane emissions by 2050, increase in renewables and to improve grid reliability.
The four utility-scale battery storage pilot projects totaling 16 megawatts are the largest projects of their kind in Virginia. The company will utilize lithium-ion batteries, like those found in electric vehicles, to better understand how this emerging technology can be integrated into various applications to benefit our customers.
These projects are enabled by the Grid Transformation & Security Act of 2018, which allows Dominion Energy to invest in up to 30 megawatts of battery storage pilot projects. As the company continues to increase its solar fleet – currently the fourth-largest of any utility holding company in the nation – and build out its offshore wind development off the coast of Virginia Beach, the company is looking for new and innovative ways to store the renewable energy it produces to maintain reliable service to customers.
“Dominion Energy will pilot these 16 megawatts of battery storage to better understand how best to deploy batteries across our system to integrate renewables and provide grid reliability by filling gaps due to the inherent intermittency of solar and wind power,” said Mark D. Mitchell, Dominion Energy’s vice president of generation construction. “These pilot projects will also help us learn how to incorporate this emerging technology into our overall strategy to achieve net zero carbon dioxide and methane emissions.”
“Energy storage is emerging as a critical component to meeting our customers’ needs and providing continued grid stability,” said Joe Woomer, Dominion Energy’s vice president of grid and technical solutions. “Experience from these pilot projects will enable storage to complement or serve as an alternative to traditional grid enhancements needed to maintain reliable service for our customers as we work to integrate renewables and improve grid resiliency.”
