Utility-scale iron flow battery manufacturer ESS Inc. will deliver two of its Energy Warehouse systems to pair with solar power installation supporting water conservation and delivery in agriculture-rich central California.
The Turlock Irrigation District will utilize its first-ever installation of solar panels with the ESS energy storage system for long duration battery deployment. The Turlock Irrigation District’s Project Nexus is aiming for clean energy generation over the canals in an increasingly arid California, the recent rains notwithstanding.
The project will shade the canals with solar panels, which will also keep the water cooler and reduce evaporative losses.
“Long-duration energy storage is the key that will enable Project Nexus to not only conserve water and generate renewable energy, but provide on-demand, clean power 24/7,” said Hugh McDermott, ESS senior vice president, business development and sales. “This project addresses multiple climate challenges at once and is the kind of innovative approach that will build a climate-resilient future. We look forward to delivering a solution that can be replicated across California and other drought-prone areas.”
The state of California is providing funding for the project. A recent study by the University of California at Merced estimated that some 13 GW of solar capacity could be installed above the state’s irrigation canals and, paired with 3 GW energy storage could achieve both decarbonization and water conservation goals.
Project Nexus is expected to be complete in 2024.
