June 7, 2024: ESS Tech, a manufacturer of long-duration energy storage systems for commercial and utility-scale energy storage applications, and US utility Burbank Water and Power last week celebrated the commissioning of BWP’s first LDES system — a 75kW/500kWh ESS Energy Warehouse iron flow battery on the BWP EcoCampus.

The ESS iron flow battery system is connected to a 265kW solar array. Once fully operational it will provide power equivalent to the consumption of around 300 homes. Eric Dresselhuys, CEO of ESS said, “it will demonstrate the critical role of iron flow technology in a renewable, resilient energy system. 

“Visionary utilities like Burbank Water and Power are leading the way to the clean energy future by incorporating advanced long-duration energy storage technologies today.

LDES will play a critical role in achieving California’s decarbonization goal of 100% zero-emission electricity by 2045. The California Energy Storage Alliance estimates that the state will need 13,571 MW of LDES by 2028 to integrate intermittent renewable energy and optimize assets for a cleaner, more affordable and reliable grid. 

This commissioning follows ESS’ recent attainment of IEEE 693 seismic certification for its Energy Center product line and builds on other recent commissioning and delivery milestones with customers including the US Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento Municipal Utility District and Turlock Irrigation District.