Massachusetts-based NEC Energy Solutions has been awarded a 12 MW energy storage project by GIGA Storage in The Netherlands. The project will form part of the Test Centre for Renewable Resources from the Wageningen University & Research (WUR). Once completed, it will be the most powerful energy storage project in the country providing grid resiliency for approximately 5,000 homes.
Credit: NEC Energy Solutions
The construction and operation of this system was financed by crowdfunding on DuurzaamInvesteren.nl and raised over €3.59-million.
Known as GIGA Rhino, the system will enable increased amounts of renewable energy on the grid, making it more stable through balancing the local smart grid. The system is located at the WUR test centre in Lelystad close to the Neushoorntocht wind farm and will also be used for Frequency Containment Reserve (FCR) and imbalance and curtailment services.
“Due to the increase in sustainable renewable energy on the grid, there is an increasing need for energy storage,” said Ruud Nijs, CEO of GIGA Storage. “Storage and control of electricity is crucial for a reliable and affordable energy system. The GIGA Rhino energy storage system is the first step in making it possible to close down coal-fired power stations."
GIGA Rhino is the largest battery storage installation funded primarily through crowdfunding. The project also received a subsidy from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency within the framework of the “Demonstration Energy and Climate Innovation” scheme, better known as DEI +.
“The GIGA Rhino system is our first project in the Netherlands and we are thrilled to partner with GIGA Storage, WUR, and Windnet” said Mark Moreton, sales director EMEA for NEC Energy Solutions.
“This is a landmark project since it is not only the most powerful energy storage system in the Netherlands, but it will also stabilise the grid and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The fact that GIGA Storage took such an innovative approach and successfully financed this project via crowdfunding shows that the excitement in grid energy storage goes all the way to the people; individuals who are putting their own money into the project. As we continue to expand across Europe, we look forward to working with Giga Storage on similar projects throughout the region,” added Moreton.
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