LADWP & Doosan GridTech Claim Global Solar + Storage Innovation Award for Beacon Solar Plant
Beginning its commercial operation in 2018, LADWP’s 20 MW Beacon BESS is taking care of the harsh climate of the Mojave Desert and at same time improving the use of solar PV. Their EPC partner, Doosan GridTech, also supplied the installation’s engineering design and systems integration.
For their combined efforts in achieving Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s (LADWP) first utility-scale BESS at its Beacon Solar Plant, the municipal utility and Doosan GridTech were given the Global Solar and Energy Storage Conference’s Energy Storage Project of the Year award. The awatd was presented at a gala ceremony in Seoul, Korea earlier in the week.
The award is particularly to honor foresight in as well as dedication to the transformation of energy, as well as singular achievements in the technological advancement, innovative design as well as technically sound deployment of energy storage systems.
With its location in the solar-rich Mojave Desert, the Beacon BESS is the very first of various energy storage projects which is being undertaken by LADWP, as the utility continually adds more renewables including wind, solar, and geothermal to form a pure energy grid for Los Angeles. The 250 MW Beacon Solar Plant and the 20 MW Beacon BESS function together in a bid to allow for a sure flow of this sustainable, clean energy resource to the residents and businesses of Los Angeles
LADWP’s Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) program went over 2,500 MW of renewable generating capacity in mid-2017, providing path to reach its goal of 33 percent by 2020. As it reaches this milestone ahead of schedule, LADWP aims to stay ahead of the goals of the state by reaching for even more targets, set forth in L.A.’s Green New Deal, revealed by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti in April. These goals have definitely raised the standard, soughting 55 percent renewables by 2025, 80 percent by 2036, and 100 percent by 2045.
Officially kicking off its commercial operation in October 2018, the new lithium-ion/NMC battery BESS gives voltage support, frequency control, and power smoothing to help LADWP in complying with the requirements of federal reliability as a NERC/FERC Balancing Authority. The BESS also works to stabilize the transmission system and ensure higher utilization of the electricity produced by the solar PV. The technology also assists in reducing the need for solar curtailment, smooths volatility made by passing clouds, and stabilizes voltage following grid problems which have the ability to trip the solar inverters.
