Saft lithium-ion battery systems enable domestic renewable energy

Saft lithium-ion battery systems enable domestic
renewable energy generation in Puerto Rico
Paris, March 15, 2016 – Saft, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of high-tech
industrial batteries, has been awarded a contract with Windmar to provide three Intensium®
Max 20P high-power lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery containers to provide ramp-rate control and
frequency response for a 10MW photovoltaic (PV) facility in Puerto Rico. With renewable
energy sources in high demand, Saft’s battery containers provide more than 10 years of
reliability to help stabilize Puerto Rico’s island network as increasing levels of renewables
are deployed.
In 2013, just one percent of the island’s electricity came from renewables. The island’s
Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority
(PREPA) to obtain 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035. Windmar
was the first company in Puerto Rico to supply solar energy to PREPA, and has installed
more than 15MW of solar energy throughout the island to date.
Saft’s partnership with Windmar will enable Puerto Rico to successfully integrate more
renewable PV into its electricity network. Windmar will now be able to meet PREPA’s
minimum technical requirements (MTRs) of 4.5MW of peak power for ramp-rate control and
1MW for frequency response with Saft batteries. The fully-integrated Intensium® Max
containers include modular battery architecture, battery management and active cooling
systems, fire suppression and power and communication interfaces.
“In remote locations and islands, it is essential our batteries can handle substantial daily
energy flows and high power outputs in order to stabilize solar farms,” said Jim McDowall,
Saft Business Development Manager. “Enabling Puerto Rico to generate solar energy
domestically not only addresses RPS goals, but also adds local jobs. We are providing the
Coto Laurel PV facility with the highest power capability in 20-foot ISO containers, fully
assembled and with flexibility in siting.”
With significant output peaks and troughs familiar to renewable energy sources, it is
increasingly difficult to integrate these systems into island power grids. Through Saft’s
energy storage system (ESS) technology, intermittent generation is smoothed and ramp
rates are reduced. Saft technology also supports highly variable usage patterns. Its fast
response time and excellent cycling capability supply the PV facility with the stability and
reliability needed to produce energy and cost savings.
“Saft’s premier technology not only supports our renewable energy expansions, but also
contributes to generation of new jobs,” said Victor Gonzalez of Windmar. “Now Puerto
Rico’s renewable energy sources are home-grown as we work toward increased domestic
energy production.”
In addition to Saft’s contributions to the project, Ingeteam supplies PV inverters and power
conversion for the ESS. Meanwhile, SolarWorld supplies PV panels and engineering
procurement and construction services to Windmar. Working with Windmar confirms Saft’s
position as the premier supplier of battery systems to meet PREPA’s MTRs.
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About Saft
Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world leading designer and manufacturer of advanced technology batteries
for industry. The Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of nickel batteries and primary lithium
batteries for the industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, civil and military electronics
markets. Saft is the world leader in space and defense batteries with its Li-ion technologies, which
are also deployed in the energy storage, transportation and telecommunication network markets.
More than 4,100 employees in 19 countries, 14 manufacturing sites and an extensive sales network
all contribute to accelerating the Group’s growth for the future.
Saft batteries. Designed for industry.
www.saftbatteries.com
Press contacts:
Saft
Karen Hollington, Corporate Communication Manager
Tel.: +33 1 49 93 17 68, e-mail: [email protected]
Naomi Silver, Communication Manager for Transportation, Telecom & Grid, Americas
Tel.: + 229-245-2854, e-mail: [email protected]
French | West | Vaughan
Amy Lacker, Tel.: +1-919-277-1151, e-mail: [email protected]
Six Degrees
Andrew Bartlett, Tel.: +44 118 900 0860, e-mail: [email protected]
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