The Vonore BESS will feature lithium-ion batteries capable of storing electricity, that could power over 10,600 homes for three hours
Illustration of the new battery energy system in the US. (Credit: Tennessee Valley Authority)
US-based Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is installing a 40MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Vonore.
Located near an industrial complex, about 35 miles southwest of Knoxville, the Vonore BESS will feature lithium-ion batteries capable of storing electricity, which can power over 10,600 homes for three hours.
TVA said that the system will store energy during the lower demand and prices for use when demand is higher.
The stored power is supplied to local industrial customers, who are served by Loudoun Utilities Board.
TVA senior manager Dale Harris said: “TVA is building the energy grid of the future. This pilot project will help us to innovate and adopt new technologies that will provide businesses clean, low-cost, reliable electricity while helping them meet their sustainability goals.”
Vonore BESS to be commissioned in 2022
Planned to be commissioned in 2022, the battery energy system is expected to improve the quality of electrical service provided to local manufacturing facilities.
Harris said: “Battery storage has many energy applications, and the Vonore BESS will help TVA make broader use of this important technology as we continuously work to provide safe, clean and reliable power to the 10 million people who live and work in the region we serve.”
Earlier this year, TVA announced a solar project in Lowndes County, Mississippi, as part of its Green Invest programmes. It is planned to be tied to a 200MWh BESS.
TVA Innovation and Research vice-president Dr Joe Hoagland said: “TVA engineers, scientists and technicians are continually working with our industry partners to shape the future of the energy marketplace and power the long-term economic health of our seven-state region.
“We are developing and investing in the latest and best technologies to ensure the steady flow of reliable and clean energy as we build out the nation’s premier energy system.”
In April 2020, TVA selected First Solar and Origis Energy to develop 212MW AC of solar power to help meet the Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB)’s new renewable energy commitment for 2020.