As part of Seven States’ continuing role in building the energy system of the future, we have identified battery energy storage as a critical technology for ensuring a resilient grid – today, tomorrow, and in the future. As part of our ongoing efforts to deploy 300MW of battery energy storage, Seven States Power Corporation submitted a concept paper under the DOE GRIP Grant opportunity. The concept consisted of partnering with 20+ local power companies (LPCs) to install multiple battery storage units and microgrids at 60+ sites across the Tennessee Valley.

The battery storage systems will be connected through a fiber optics network and will have the capability for remote aggregation and dispatch by Seven States. Each battery storage system will be owned by and located at an LPC distribution substation with new automated switches that enable “islanding” of circuits, thus providing a resilient and reliable source of power to mitigate the effects of disruptions and outages. The batteries may be charged with excess energy comprised of the least carbon-intensive fuel sources available and will discharge lower-carbon stored energy during on-peak

periods, thereby reducing higher-carbon peak generation.

LPCs will be able to reduce their wholesale demand charges by discharging the battery on their peaks. The battery storage systems will be scalable across the Valley allowing for a rapid deployment of resilient assets. With a large volume of new resilient assets

installed, the opportunity exists to aggregate for load management benefits at both the distribution and generation level.

Grant submittals will be evaluated by DOE over the next three to four months and applicants will be notified if they are encouraged to submit a full application. If awarded, the system would take three to five years to fully implement.

If you are interested in learning more about the GRIP grant or other energy storage services provided by Seven States, contact Lance Irwin at lirwin@7spc.com.