AES begins construction of its first battery-based energy storage facility in Europe
New facility will be in operation by the end of 2015
Vlissingen, Netherlands, July 13, 2015 – AES began construction today on its first advanced, battery-based energy storage facility in Europe. The Netherlands AdvancionTM Energy Storage Array will provide 10 MW of interconnected energy storage, equivalent to 20 MW of flexible resource. The array is expected to begin operations by the end of 2015.
The array will help balance supply and demand by providing Primary Control Reserve (PCR) from the Netherlands. It will support the European transmission grid via transmission system operator, TenneT. The Advancion array will also enhance European power supply, enable more efficient dispatch of existing generation assets, and increase the ability to integrate renewable power sources in Europe.
“We are excited to install our first continental European energy storage project here in the Netherlands, bringing enhanced reliability, flexibility and efficiency to the grid,” said Julian Nebreda, President of AES’ Europe Strategic Business Unit. “The Netherlands has a reputation for being a leader in the most innovative energy solutions, and we’re pleased to help continue that trend with our Advancion energy storage array.”
“Fast acting energy storage has demonstrated its ability to balance supply and demand more efficiently than traditional power plants and can enable greater levels of renewables penetration,” said Steve Corwell, Vice President of AES’ Europe Strategic Business Unit. “We’re proud to offer the Netherlands a most cost-effective and cutting-edge solution for solving its critical grid challenges and moving towards a modern grid.”
AES’ Advancion solution is built with pre-qualified battery technology from best-in-class suppliers and incorporates AES’ eight years of commercial experience with advanced energy storage and more than 30 years of experience in serving utilities around the world. Advancion is continuously available, without burning fuel, and is designed as a scalable resource, offering the ability to grow over time to meet future power needs.
AES currently has 86 MW of interconnected battery-based energy storage, which is equivalent to 172 MW of flexible resource in commercial operation in the United States and Chile. AES’ other project plans in Europe include 100 MW of interconnected storage in Northern Ireland, of which 10 MW is expected on-line at the Kilroot power station this year. AES currently operates 630 MW of traditional generation assets in the Netherlands.
About AES Energy Storage Solutions
AES is the global leader in commercial battery energy storage, which enables utilities, power markets and renewable developers to manage projects from concept to operation with a market-proven solution. The company’s AdvancionTM energy storage solutions unlock value from existing power infrastructure, improving flexibility and reliability of the power system, and providing customers with a complete alternative to traditional peaking power plants. AES introduced the first grid-scale advanced battery in commercial power market service in 2008 and operates the largest fleet of battery-based storage assets in service today. The company works with utility partners and other customers to deliver the value of advanced storage around the world. To learn more, please visit www.aesenergystorage.com or @aes_es on Twitter.
About AES
The AES Corporation (NYSE:AES) is a Fortune 200 global power company. We provide affordable, sustainable energy to 18 countries through our diverse portfolio of distribution businesses as well as thermal and renewable generation facilities. Our workforce of 18,500 people is committed to operational excellence and meeting the world’s changing power needs. Our 2014 revenues were $17 billion and we own and manage $39 billion in total assets. To learn more, please visit www.aes.com. Follow AES on Twitter @TheAESCorp.
