Redflow announced that it will supply a 20-MWh zinc-based flow battery system for a large-scale solar-plus-storage microgrid project in California.
The Australian battery manufacturer says the California Energy Commission (CEC) has approved its zinc-based flow battery solution for the project, which is aimed at providing power to the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, a federally recognized sovereign nation located in Northern California.
The initiative is part of the CEC’s efforts to address an estimated 45-55 GW of long-duration energy storage requirements in the state by 2045 to ensure grid reliability.
Under the deal, Redflow will supply 2,000 of its ZBM3 batteries in its 200-kWh modular energy pods, for delivery in 2023 and 2024. The batteries utilize zinc-bromine flow technology, reportedly enabling flexible energy storage applications for up to 12 hours.
Redflow says its battery system for the project is designed to charge from solar and discharge throughout the day, reducing grid demand and enhancing energy security for the Paskenta Rancheria. The project aligns with the Paskenta Tribe’s goals of achieving energy sovereignty, reducing fossil fuel consumption, and promoting responsible land stewardship.
The project will be led by California developer and contractor Faraday Microgrids and funded by the CEC’s $140 million long-duration energy storage grant program, which focuses on supporting commercially proven non-lithium energy storage technologies.
The overall project, including the budget allocated to Redflow, has already received formal approval from the CEC. A definitive supply agreement has also been signed between Faraday and Redflow, covering battery supply and technical support for the project. Faraday expects to finalize the project agreements and issue a notice to commence to Redflow in July 2023.
This microgrid project follows Redflow’s installation of a 2-MWh system in California for Anaergia in 2022, which has been operating effectively for over a year.
“The market for long-duration energy storage is accelerating. CEC approval firmly establishes our presence in California, which is leading the development and support of non-lithium technologies to achieve its net-zero goals,” said Tim Harris, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Redflow. “This project is a great example of U.S.-Australian collaboration in renewable energy and supports the aims of the recent Climate, Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Transformation Compact, which cites clean energy as the third pillar of the alliance.”
