Dominion Energy Virginia puts 16 MW in Battery Storage capacity into operation
Dominion Energy Virginia announced that its largest battery energy storage pilot project is now operational at the Scott Solar facility in Powhatan County.
The new project will contribute to the firm’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon and methane emissions by 2050, boost grid reliability and increase renewable energy generation.
The firm has two more battery storage pilot projects in its portfolio, namely a 2 MW battery in New Kent County and another 2 MW battery in Hanover County, which will be operational later in 2022.
The three utility-scale projects, totalling 16 MW, were approved by the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
All three projects provide key information regarding use cases for batteries on the grid. For instance, the three 4-hour battery systems totaling 12 MW at the Scott Solar facility will provide information on battery technology proficiency to store solar energy during high production periods and release energy during peak periods.
The 2 MW, 2-MWh battery at a substation in the Town of Ashland, Hanover County will increase existing grid capacity. Another 2 MW battery at the substation in New Kent County will demonstrate how batteries can help manage voltage and loading issues due to reverse energy flow to ensure power delivery stability.
"Battery storage is an integral component to the clean energy transition in Virginia, supporting grid reliability for our customers during periods of high demand and by helping to fill gaps due to the inherent intermittency of solar and wind power," said Ed Baine, president of Dominion Energy Virginia. "These battery systems will help us better understand how best to deploy utility scale batteries across our service territory to support our goal of net zero emissions by 2050."