Ener1 signs strategic energy storage agreement with Russian National Grid Operator
01 November 2010
Li-ion battery manufacturer Ener1, Inc. has signed a strategic cooperation deal with a division of the Russian Federal Grid Company (FGC) to co-develop storage systems under a nation-wide grid modernization program. An equipment-supply, business and technical consulting contract has been signed for $40 million. The Russian government has funded the update of the country’s power transmission infrastructure at a level of $15 billion through 2012.
This is a unique opportunity for an American company to get in on the ground floor of Russia’s historic shift toward energy efficiency as a full-fledged partner. FGC is in a leap-frog mode to incorporate lithium-ion storage technology for multiple uses in an overhaul of what is one of the world’s largest bulk power grids.
—Bruce Curtis, President of Ener1 Grid Storage
The initial phase of cooperation, underway and scheduled for completion in Q2 next year, focuses on grid integration of large-scale emergency power back-up systems in economically critical regions, specifically the Black Sea port city of Sochi, selected as the official site of the XXII Winter Olympic Games in 2014. Installations are being custom designed for exacting operational conditions and placement at remote grid substations in the Western Caucasus Mountains ski resort Krasnaya Polyana. The purpose is to maximize reliability of the power supply for Olympic events.
The supply contract was signed with state-run FGC’s wholly owned subsidiary Mobile GTES, Russia’s leading manufacturer of mobile electric power stations. In addition to the design and manufacture of the specialized Sochi energy storage units, the contract includes two in-depth joint studies involving Ener1 and FGC engineers covering:
- System-wide assessment for deployment of lithium-ion storage for applications including strengthening the grid in remote regions, peak load-shaving and future integration of intermittent renewable power sources such as wind; and
- Feasibility of localization within Russia of development and manufacture of lithium-ion battery cells and other components for energy storage systems.
A wise move not to lose face with multiple power failures during 2014 Olympic Games. Russia's power grid also need to be upgraded and this $15B program will help.
Posted by: HarveyD | 01 November 2010 at 09:20 AM
Ener1 is just a single example of a growth business in renewable energy. Building grid scaled backup systems could be a huge revenue stream for Ener1. Which means more JOBS, and a better ECONOMY for Ener1's neighborhood. Congratulations on leading the way in original energy management systems.
Posted by: Reel$$ | 01 November 2010 at 07:08 PM