SDG&E's VRFB Project for Grid Stability in San Diego

California's Senate Bill 100 sets an ambitious goal for greenhouse gas-free energy by 2045. To achieve this, the state is promoting energy storage solutions to mitigate issues such as declining power quality from renewable energy integration and the social challenges posed by frequent planned and rotating power outages.

To address these challenges, NEDO commissioned Sumitomo Electric to conduct a demonstration project in San Diego using vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). These systems offer unparalleled durability, scalability, and safety, making them ideal for large-scale applications.

The project demonstrated multiple capabilities, such as flexible bidding strategies in energy and ancillary services markets and the establishment of a microgrid in 2021. The system maintained a 99% operational availability over the final two years of the demonstration, highlighting its reliability. Additionally, the VRFB technology has a design life exceeding 20 years, 99.2% material recyclability, and resistance to thermal runaway contribute to its status as a sustainable and safe energy storage solution.

Capacity: 2 MW × 4 hours (8 MWh)
Location: San Diego, California, USA
Application: Enhancing grid reliability, supporting clean energy integration, and providing backup power during outages

- First large-scale vanadium redox flow battery connected to the California energy grid in 2018, enhancing reliability and clean energy use.
- Powered 66 residential and commercial customers for up to five hours during test runs.
- Maintained a 99% operational availability over the final two years of the demonstration.
- Demonstrated black start capability, enabling autonomous recovery after complete outages.
- Seamless transition to the microgrid without power interruptions.