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Utility Diveabout 1 month ago

Virginia public power providers embrace megawatt-scale, distribution-connected batteries

Key Takeaway

The adoption of multiple smaller, distribution-connected battery projects offers developers and large power consumers a faster, cheaper, and more flexible approach to deploying grid storage with virtual power plant capabilities.

AI Summary

  • Virginia public power providers are deploying multiple 5 MW distribution-connected battery projects.
  • This strategy is significantly faster and cheaper than deploying larger, transmission-connected battery projects.
  • These distributed battery projects offer many benefits akin to a virtual power plant (VPP), providing grid services and potential revenue streams.
  • For developers and large power consumers, this model presents a more agile and cost-effective pathway for integrating grid-scale storage.

Topics

capacity-marketinterconnectpolicystoragetransmission

Article Content

Deploying multiple small batteries — in this case, five projects of 5 MW each — is faster and cheaper than transmission-connected projects and provides many of the benefits of a virtual power plant, the developer told Utility Dive.