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In an era marked by increasingly severe weather from Mother Nature, utilities face mounting pressure to enhance the resiliency and reliability of their power delivery systems. While icing of the wind turbine blades has been discussed extensively, the physical means of distributing that energy has been addressed far less. Just as wind farms components are adopting the latest technologies to modernize their fleets and extend life expectan....
Ensuring the reliability and efficiency of wind turbines requires a deep understanding of the fluids that keep them running smoothly. To that end, compatibility testing plays a critical role in preventing costly issues that arise from mixing incompatible lubricants. This article explores the significance of fluid compatibility testing in industries such as power generation, highlighting its ability to enhance equipment reliability, reduce mainten....
The wind industry takes pride in advancing a clean energy future while protecting species across the globe from the impacts of climate change. However, no energy solution is without challenges. Wind turbines, for instance, have been shown to cause direct mortality to bats. With bat populations already declining due to habitat loss, diminishing food sources, and disease, the wind industry has diligently sought solutions to mitigate this impact.&nb....
Natural disasters including hurricanes, severe storms, winter storms, wildfires and heat waves are becoming more frequent and severe, causing widespread power outages across the United States. Between 2000 and 2023, 80 percent of U.S. power outages were caused by weather events. Power outages caused by extreme weather can impact critical services like emergency response, hospitals, and communications networks. Energy storage on a utility level se....
Energy Storage
Craig Tropea
Solar
Jonathan Lwowski
Solar
Steve Macshane, CESSWI
Sungrow, a global leader in clean energy technology, announced that its next-generation liquid-cooled battery energy storage system, PowerTitan 2.0, has received both TM-2 approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA) from the New York City Fire Department. The certification clears the way for deployment of the lithium-ion system within New York City — one of the most safety-conscious and technically demanding urban markets in the United States.
“This certification affirms that PowerTitan 2.0 meets the highest standards for fire safety and system integrity,” said Hank Wang, president of Sungrow Americas. “With power demands expected to increase dramatically in New York, we’re proud to offer customers a proven solution that is ready for immediate deployment across utility-scale storage, commercial and industrial sites, and dense urban environments.”
The Fire Department’s TM-2 and COA process is required for any energy storage system installed within New York City, and includes an extensive series of fire safety evaluations, technical design reviews, and third-party test reports. Approval typically involves coordination with engineers, first responders, and fire safety authorities, making it one of the most stringent municipal certification processes in the country.
Sungrow’s second-generation utility-scale battery energy storage system, now certified for use in New York City.
The 5MWh PowerTitan 2.0, comparable in size to a shipping container, is the successor to the original PowerTitan 1.0, which received New York City certification in 2023. The new model introduces a fully pre-integrated, plug-and-play architecture that simplifies installation and accelerates project timelines. It also includes engineering advancements that enhance thermal performance, rack-level control, and system-wide fire protection.
For example, a liquid-cooled thermal management system maintains cell-level stability, with a temperature variance of less than 2.5°C across racks. That, when combined with the system’s rack-level control — improves system balance, performance, usable capacity and reduces mismatch during operation. A built-in automation handles coolant refilling and state-of-charge balancing, while fire protection is reinforced through arc extinguishing technology, fire-resistant partitions, and optional integrated sprinklers.
This announcement follows Sungrow’s successful completion of the world’s largest burn test to date of a utility-scale battery energy storage system, in June 2024, conducted in partnership with national safety agencies and third-party observers. The large-scale fire test (LSFT) subjected PowerTitan 2.0 to extreme fire conditions for nearly 26 hours to validate its containment, suppression, and emergency response features — setting a new benchmark for BESS safety across the industry.
“Our engineering team designed PowerTitan 2.0 from the ground up to deliver both performance and peace of mind,” said Bryce Laber, manager of ESS product engineering at Sungrow. “We’ve integrated safety at every level so that project developers can focus on delivering reliable energy to the grid.”
The PowerTitan 2.0 plug-and-play BESS uniquely pre-integrates all internal components — including the batteries, string PCSs, BMS, thermal management, and fire suppression systems — within a 20-foot container for easy installation, improved adaptability, and high performance.
Now, with local electricity demand poised to surge, Sungrow’s storage solutions can serve a broader set of projects pursuing behind-the-meter resilience, front-of-the-meter grid services, and compliance with clean energy mandates.
A white paper with more on the innovative systems inside the PowerTitan 2.0 battery system can be found here.
Sungrow North America | https://us.sungrowpower.com
DEPCOM Power was hired by a local utility to design, build and maintain a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) that delivers 800 megawatt hours of stored solar and wind power to some 42,000 customers. This 10-acre project consists of highly modified 20-foot ISO containers with Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries which are connected to centralized inverters, and are then interconnected to a transmission substation. The batteries require a substantial amount of auxiliary power, primarily for temperature control, so an expansive 480V 3P AC network is utilized to distribute power to each of the 360 battery containers. The auxiliary protection components consist of a network of switchboards and panelboards which all contain Siemens 3WA and 3VA line circuit breakers. The batteries must run at an optimal temperature range, requiring an HVAC system to keep them from overheating.
The HVAC system has to operate continuously. If power from the grid goes out, an auxiliary switchboard engages a generator for backup power. DEPCOM Power contracted North Carolina-based electrical switchboard provider EPEC and its agent, ReBoSS, to deliver a highly customized auxiliary power switchboard system to control the HVAC and monitor the current flowing to the batteries. This auxiliary power system is made up of a network of switchboards and panelboards that are each equipped with a fleet of Siemens 3VA6 molded case circuit breakers and two Siemens 3WA main air breakers, both of which are assembled at the Siemens Mayfield plant in Grand Prairie, TX.
Adding Grid Stability Expected to reach completion in summer 2025, the project is a 200-megawatt standalone energy storage project delivering over 800 megawatt hours of energy. Its primary purpose is to provide grid stability by storing excess solar power and distributing it after sundown to nearby homes when they need it most. The project delivers enough electricity to keep about 42,000 homes powered for four hours after sundown.
Solar energy is harnessed during the morning and early afternoon, when the sun is strongest. “Excess solar that is produced during the daytime is utilized to charge these batteries,” said Mark Sauls, Vice President of Sales and Operations for EPEC Solutions. “And then after the sun goes down, the batteries discharge and you have an extra four hours of power.”
This BESS project fits into the local utilities aggressive sustainability strategy. The utility is striving for net zero direct greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The project is one of the largest battery storage systems in the American Southwest, using its storge capability to add stability and reliability to energy sources that are inherently intermittent.
“This site is actually located relatively close to a population center, so it's available – and not transmission constrained – to deliver power to the city,” said Walker Wentzler, Sr. Director of Electrical Engineering at DEPCOM Power. “It is really making up for those peaks and valleys when people get home and turn on all their appliances.”
Maintaining a Steady Operation Energy arrives at the project’s BESS through the local power distribution network. It is then stored in the lithium iron phosphate batteries. These batteries leverage newer technology that delivers longer life and make them safer to operate. “The batteries need to stay cool or within a relatively finite temperature band for them to operate for their entire life and continue performing,” said Wentzler.
The liquid heating and cooling system controls the temperature of the circulating fluid within the battery modules to keep the battery cells in ideal temperature range – and should the utility power go out, the cooling system must continue operating. That’s where the EPEC switchboard comes in, providing power to the HVAC and maintaining the batteries in a steady state.
DEPCOM Power turned to EPEC for the auxiliary power switchboard for a number of reasons. The system is highly flexible and customizable and delivers the functionality the facility needed while keeping people safe by reducing arc flash, said Wentzler.
The switchboards were assembled by EPEC’s manufacturing arm, QT Corp., and delivered by ReBoSS. They are double-ended, low-voltage units with two electrically switchable Siemens 3WA main breakers and 14 3VA6 circuit breakers in each switchboard.
“The dual 3WA main breakers have a purpose,” said Drew Vermillion, president of ReBoSS. “We have a backup breaker in case the substation goes down. The second main breaker is then powered by a secondary utility feed to keep the HVAC running on the battery storage system. The main breakers feed the 3VA6 molded case circuit breakers that feed out to auxiliary distribution panels and the HVAC systems.”
The Siemens Advantage “EPEC has equipped its switchboards with Siemens circuit breakers for years. Units like the 3VA6 offer a host of features ideal for grid stability projects, starting with build quality," Sauls said. “The reliability, efficiency, and communication capabilities of the 3VA6 molded case circuit breaker far exceeds other big-name competitors.”
For this project, EPEC used its innovative solar-specific UL 891 dead front switchboard, which minimizes cable sizes, reducing implementations by 40%. Thanks to the reduction in cabling, the switchboard is more cost-effective and quicker to install.
This project is another example of how Siemens technologies are enabling its customers to be energy diverse, efficient and resilient.
The Siemens 3VA6 molded case circuit breakers deliver a host of benefits:
Electronic Tripping
3VA6 breakers are equipped with electronic tripping, which is preferable to thermal magnetic circuit breakers in BESS applications. BESS projects often operate in harsh environments. In Arizona, temperatures can rise well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods. Because thermal magnetic circuit breakers are very susceptible to ambient temperatures, nuisance tripping can become an issue. But that does not occur with electronic tripping.
Built-in Metering
DEPCOM Power needed a switchboard with metering capabilities in order to monitor the feeder circuit breakers and measure the auxiliary power consumption of the batteries. 3VA6 circuit breakers have built-in metering capability, making it possible to remotely monitor the current. “Each 3VA6 breaker actually monitors the current and lets the owner know how much current is flowing out to the panel board, which then flows to the HVAC of the battery containers. By monitoring the current of that 3VA6, they're actually able to determine the health of the HVAC system and therefore the health of the overall plant,” Sauls said.
Monitoring capabilities were especially important, Wentzler said. “This asset is going to be largely unmanned and operated from a remote standpoint, and so one of the options that we leveraged with the 3VA line was basically a bolt-on addition to those breakers.” This enables remote operators to track consumption at a very granular level and take action when troubleshooting is necessary, he said.
• Flexibility and Safety The 3VA6 molded case circuit breakers delivered the flexibility and safety required for this BESS project. “They have all the latest features like the arc energy reduction maintenance switch, and then they have the built-in safety codes that OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the NEC (National Electric Code) require,” Vermillion noted.
To keep people safe, it was crucial to have molded case circuit breakers with a high short circuit breaking capacity, according to Wentzler. The breakers allow technicians to adjust parameters as needed and reduce arc flash “There's a pretty high peak load for auxiliary consumption for the HVAC and chillers to keep the systems cool, so what you wind up with on a system of this size is a very expansive low-voltage, 480-volt auxiliary distribution network. The 3VA line offers a lot of flexibility in being able to get to some very, very high levels of breaking current.”
Customization
The project required several customizations, which included designing a larger auxiliary panel board that handles larger cables and includes an external, lockable rotary operator for technicians to turn it on and off without opening the panel door.
In addition, the two Siemens 3WA main breakers allowed for customization that DEPCOM Power needed to automate and interlock the systems. “Being able to close and then interlock between the two main breakers with the Siemens continuous shunt trip was really key in being able to put together an economical solution that is also effective in long term operations,” said Wentzler.
The Value of Partnership
The Siemens 3VA and 3WA lines are critical components in the BESS project, delivering the functionality, flexibility and safety needed in a harsh environment. “I think the 3WA main and 3VA6 breakers have just been rock stars for us in the renewable space, which is very demanding on a breaker,” said Vermillion.
“Siemens can always be counted on for reliability, quality, and support,” said Sauls. Siemens understood the importance of shipping on time and the need for communication with EPEC along the way to ensure a smooth process. “What we’re looking for in a partner is someone that's interested in our business and is willing to go the extra mile for us. Siemens has done that from the beginning,” he said.
Building a Diverse Energy Mix
The local utility is addressing an important need in an area of the country where solar power is abundant. It serves as a cost-effective, energy-efficient and innovative example of how to address the country’s energy supply challenges.
“We don't have enough energy in this country,” said Vermillion. “We need natural gas, we need nuclear, and we need solar – and using large-scale battery sites is the next step. Having a diverse energy generation a beautiful thing, and this brings a lot of great value to Arizonans.”
Siemens | https://www.siemens.com/global/en.html
DEPCOM Power | https://www.depcompower.com/
Solar Landscape, the nation’s leading commercial rooftop solar developer, has announced a landmark $175 million long-term partnership with PGIM Private Capital, to finance its growing portfolio of projects that feed electricity directly into the distributed grid, initially across Maryland and Illinois.
PGIM Private Capital is the private capital arm of PGIM, the $1.4 trillion global investment management business of Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU).
The partnership – in the form of an institutional shelf debt facility – will finance the construction and operations of 74 Solar Landscape projects in Maryland and Illinois on 3 million square feet of commercial rooftops, creating nearly 43 megawatts (DC) of solar capacity for the surrounding communities.
“Commercial rooftop solar is America’s most shovel-ready energy source and this financing enables us to build more and build it faster,” said Solar Landscape Chief Financial Officer Clayton Avent. “This debt investment is another example of PGIM Private Capital’s long track record of strong investment into the energy sector. The first wave of these projects is already generating electricity to meet the country’s growing demand.”
The transaction marks an important step in Solar Landscape’s capital markets evolution and will enable dynamic and efficient deployment of debt capital into the company’s best-in-class rooftop community solar projects. The flexibility of the private shelf facility enables Solar Landscape to further expedite development and deployment cycles, generating energy into the distribution-level grid quickly and efficiently.
The shelf financing from PGIM Private Capital complements Walmart’s tax equity investment in the portfolio, which Walmart and Solar Landscape announced in October 2024. Subsequent shelf deployments across addressable markets are expected to follow in 2025 and beyond, further entrenching Solar Landscape’s status as the nation’s preeminent fully-integrated independent power producer focused on deploying solar and energy storage on commercial rooftops.
For PGIM Private Capital, the investment is part of its long-term approach to investment in clean energy.
“By building solar projects on existing commercial buildings, Solar Landscape is deploying energy quickly, efficiently and close to where it will be used, making it a sound investment in our energy future,” said Ingrida Soldatova, Senior Principal, Real Assets—Power at PGIM Private Capital. “We are always happy to continue adding to our portfolio of investments in the community solar space.”
More than a dozen of the projects in the initial investment portfolio were energized recently in Maryland and the balance of the portfolio is expected to come into service in 2025.
Solar Landscape | www.solarlandscape.com
UL Solutions Inc. (NYSE: ULS) announced the opening of its Europe Advanced Battery Testing Laboratory in Aachen, Germany, which will test batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs) and large-scale energy storage systems, significantly expanding the company’s battery technology testing capabilities and its European footprint.
Driven by the increasing demand for reliable battery testing services, the facility was purpose-built from the ground up to evaluate EV and industrial battery products during the research and development phases of battery manufacturing. The facility will also offer comprehensive evaluations of finished products to determine whether they meet safety and performance requirements, enabling original equipment manufacturers to access global markets.
“Our new location in Germany provides us with access to the region’s deep engineering talent and places us close to many of our key European customers,” said Jennifer Scanlon, president and CEO of UL Solutions. “We are meeting our customers where they are, helping the automotive and power sectors safely innovate in a world increasingly reliant on battery storage.”
The new laboratory replaces a smaller leased facility that was part of UL Solutions’ 2024 acquisition of battery testing and simulation company BatterieIngenieure. That acquisition significantly increased UL Solutions’ capacity for conducting tests, advanced simulations and in-depth failure analysis of battery technologies. A key strength of the new facility is its capability for estimating battery lifespans, a crucial factor for both manufacturers and consumers.
The opening of the UL Solutions Aachen laboratory arrives at a pivotal moment for the global energy transition and electrification. The International Energy Agency notes strong EV market growth, fueling a surge in battery demand, which jumped 35% in 2023 and is projected to increase tenfold. Battery storage is also expanding rapidly in the power sector, with deployments rising over 130% in 2023.
This facility is strategically located in North Rhine-Westphalia and is UL Solutions’ first in the EU solely focused on comprehensive battery testing services. It is home to dedicated battery science experts who conduct rigorous tests to determine cell, module and battery lifetimes, as well as evaluate safety and performance.
Specialized tests meticulously measure the ability to withstand a host of potential threats, hazards and adverse conditions, including misuse, off-gassing and thermal runaway, a chemical reaction that causes a battery to increase in temperature and pressure rapidly and can lead to fire and explosions. These tests help demonstrate that customers’ innovative technologies meet safety and performance standards established by UL Standards & Engagement, the International Electrotechnical Commission, the Society of Automotive Engineers, the United Nations and other globally recognized organizations.
The UL Solutions Europe Advanced Battery Laboratory adds to our global network of testing facilities focused on battery technologies. These include:
Learn more about UL Solutions’ battery testing services.
UL Solutions | https://www.ul.com/
energyRe, an American-led developer of large-scale renewable energy projects, has signed a renewable energy agreement which allows Google to invest in and purchase Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) from a portfolio of more than 600 MW of new solar and solar with storage projects being developed by energyRe in South Carolina. This marks Google's second collaboration with energyRe, which combined will enable over 1 GWac of new clean capacity to the grid.
This agreement supports both the region's energy needs with locally sourced renewable energy, and Google's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions across its operations and value chain by 2030.
"Strengthening the grid by deploying more reliable and clean energy is crucial for supporting the digital infrastructure that businesses and individuals depend on," said Amanda Peterson Corio, Head of Data Center Energy, Google. "Our collaboration with energyRe will help power our data centers and the broader economic growth of South Carolina."
"This agreement is a milestone in energyRe's mission to develop innovative and impactful clean energy solutions for the future," said Miguel Prado, CEO of energyRe. "We're honored to partner with Google to help advance their ambitious sustainability and decarbonization objectives while delivering dependable, locally sourced clean energy to meet growing energy demands."
energyRe's national portfolio includes development of large scale solar, high voltage transmission, onshore and offshore wind, distributed generation and storage assets in markets around the United States, creating projects that will improve reliability, lower costs for ratepayers and help meeting the rapidly rising demand for electricity.
energyRe | www.energyre.com
CVE North America (CVE), a leader in community solar development, commenced construction of its first solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) in New York State, located at its Riverhead Project. The Riverhead Project, situated on a capped landfill in Riverhead, features a 7 megawatt (MW) solar array paired with a 13.6 megawatt-hour (MWh) BESS. It is expected to produce an estimated 12,000 MWh of clean energy annually, which is enough to power approximately 1,500 homes in New York.
The addition of the BESS allows excess solar energy to be stored during off-peak hours and released when demand is highest, enhancing grid performance and ensuring a more reliable local power supply, ultimately extending the benefits of clean energy to the local community.
Additionally, this project illustrates how solar development can positively impact local communities, transforming dormant properties into valuable assets that contribute economically to the area.
"The Riverhead project is a pivotal step in expanding our energy storage capabilities and demonstrates how strategic solar development can strengthen local energy systems," said Ben Dereume, technical director at CVE North America. "We're proud to partner with the Town of Riverhead to transform unproductive land into a source of clean, locally generated, renewable energy for the community."
While this marks CVE's first storage project in New York, the company has extensive expertise in solar and storage solutions, with 95 MW of installed capacity in community solar projects across Massachusetts and New York and a growing pipeline throughout the United States.
CVE North America | www.cvenorthamerica.com
Sustainability Partners (SP), a Public Benefit Company dedicated to advancing sustainable infrastructure, announced that it will provide day-to-day operational management for Ecofin U.S. Renewables Infrastructure Trust PLC (RNEW), a London Stock Exchange-listed investment company that owns and operates a diversified portfolio of utility-scale renewable energy assets.
Under this appointment, SP will manage RNEW's daily business operations and oversee the management of renewable energy assets. This includes supervising operations and maintenance (O&M) managers, coordinating with asset management service providers, and ensuring optimal performance of assets throughout the portfolio.
With a proven track record in managing infrastructure assets, SP brings the expertise needed to keep RNEW's portfolio operating with maximum uptime and optimized performance. The portfolio includes the following utility-scale operating assets, all of which operate under fixed-price power purchase agreements (PPAs) with investment-grade electric utilities:
Whirlwind Wind Farm (Texas): A 59.8 MW wind project, comprising 26 turbines and associated infrastructure.
Beacon Portfolio (California): Two solar projects totaling 107.8 MWdc1 - Beacon II (59.6 MWdc) and Beacon V (48.2 MWdc).
"Partnering with RNEW underscores our commitment to building the infrastructure backbone of a cleaner energy future. We look forward to leveraging our expertise to ensure long-term value and reliability across utility-scale renewable energy assets," said John Veech, CEO of SP.
Sustainability Partners | https://www.sustainability.partners/
Energy Storage May 15, 2025
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