Major energy storage project — enough to power 110,000 homes for 2 hours — coming to San Diego
A portfolio of 44 battery storage systems across San Diego County aimed at adding more emissions-free energy to California’s electric grid is about to roll out, with one location in Chula Vista and another in El Cajon poised to break ground within the next month.
EnerSmart Storage, a renewable energy company based in San Diego, will design, construct and operate the systems. When completed, 12 sites across the county will enhance grid reliability and increase energy efficiency. The entire portfolio will account for 165 megawatts and 336 megawatt-hours of battery storage electricity — enough to power 110,000 homes for two hours.
“We’re super excited about it just because it’s something that is really helping the growth of renewable energy,” said EnerSmart managing partner James Beach, who said the portfolio will assist the San Diego Gas & Electric distribution system. “It’s helping local residents and businesses by having this backup power available.”
The El Cajon site is one of two locations that will deploy zinc battery storage technology manufactured by EOS Energy.
The Chula Vista location is one of 10 sites that will use lithium-iron phosphate batteries made by BYD, a multinational based in China whose North American headquarters is in downtown Los Angeles.
BYD’s iron phosphate batteries are considered less flammable than the widely used lithium-ion batteries often seen in electric vehicles and utility-scale battery storage systems.
The North American Development Bank and Siemens Financial Services have provided the financing for the BYD projects for EnerSmart. Beach said the total loan is $90 million to $100 million.
