FPL Announces New “Innovative” Energy Storage Pilot Project

In conjunction with the recent White House summit on scaling renewable energy and storage with smart markets, Florida Power and Light Company recently announced a new “innovative” energy storage pilot project.

The new pilot project announced by Florida Power and Light Company (FPL) will see the testing of multiple applications of various “advanced” battery technologies under real-life conditions. The project’s aim is to work on the strengthening of electric grid resiliency.

The pilot project will see FPL install a number of different “types of battery systems at locations in the southern Florida counties of Miami-Dade and Monroe to research a range of potential future benefits of energy storage, including grid reliability and power quality.”

Notably, project findings may be used to improve (and increase) the integration of renewable energy projects in the future. FPL has been investing more and more into solar energy in recent years, and this trend is likely to continue.

The press release provides an overview of the project’s main components:

• Repurposing used “second-life” batteries from more than 200 BMW electric vehicles to test “peak shaving” for better grid management during periods of high demand via a storage system to be installed in a densely populated residential area in southwestern Miami.
• Designing a mobile storage system that could be relocated as needed to prevent power interruptions at major, economically important events (e.g., nationally televised sports, etc.). FPL plans to build the portable battery system in time for testing during the 2017 Miami Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on the island of Key Biscayne.
• Building a battery backup system in the Flamingo community of Monroe County — the southernmost tip of Everglades National Park, where a visitor center, campground and water treatment facility lie 45 miles from any other electric customer — to study ways to improve reliability for isolated areas and develop microgrid foundations.

“Many miles from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Flamingo is the southernmost developed area in Everglades National Park, providing essential support and amenities so visitors have the opportunity to view wildlife in their natural, undisturbed setting. Because of our remote location, the concept of having clean, quiet, on-site back-up power is exciting. FPL’s project could make a big difference for us and our ability to provide uninterrupted access to this national treasure for thousands of people around the world,” commented Mike Jester, chief of facilities management for Everglades National Park.

Construction on the project is expected to begin this summer (2016). Most components are expected to be operational by the end of the year.