Energy storage solutions firm H2, Inc launched a 20MWh vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) energy storage project in northern California in December.
H2 says the 20-MWh system will be the world’s largest VRFB project, which uses a modular approach with 100% pre-built VRFB modules. It is expected to be the largest VRFB built in the US.
The system will be deployed at an existing gas peaker plant in California and is expected to complete by the end of 2023. Once the pilot phase is successful, H2 intends to begin commercial operation in the California power grid.
The project consortium includes one of the largest state-run generation companies in Korea and a national research institute. It is financially supported by the Korean government.
H2, Inc's Founder and CEO, Dr. Shin Han said, “California is a perfect testbed for large-scale VRFB to replace traditional gas peakers taking great majority of power generation in the state. Since California is a frontrunner in carbon neutrality movements to overcome global climate change, the 20MWh VRFB project is going to be a significant milestone for many states in the US and other following regions with similar targets. This monumental project will show how VRFB is able to substitute for fossil-fueled power plants and optimize power grid crowded with increasing renewable energy.”
