Quick explanation for this Blog:

I'm building clean technolgy energy plants using advanced energy storage.  My research indicates a strong market exixts for these plants now and we're working to get them sited and funded.  I would like to share information with anyone interested in using such technologies now.  I emphasize now because I find that the visionary stuff gets plenty of press, while existing solutions can sometimes be ignored.  Sometimes it's much easier to dream about all the plug-in hybrid, hydrogen storage, compressed air pipeline, cold-fusion projects that could revolutionize the world someday and miss what's available for practical application today.

For details, we plan on building 5 MW plants using the vanadium redox flow battery technology from VRB Power Systems, Inc.. 

• I like the VRB Energy Storage System because capacity can be sized separatly from storage.  For example, you can have a 5 MW system with 8 hours of storage (20 MWH) or an 8 MW system with 5 hours of storage (40 MWH) or any other combination that makes sense for your application. 
• Large plants are already in use today, like the  6 MW installation at a wind farm on Hokkaido Island, Japan.
• In addition, the plants require very little maintenance, are a green technology with no hazardous emmissions or hazardous metals like cadmium or lead to dispose, and are good for 25 years or more with refurbishment of the energy cells around years 12 - 15.

We're currently looking at selling ancillary services to the regional power grid operators.  Many Independent System Operators (ISOs) maintain markets for frequency regulation, spinning and non-spinning reserve, supplemental energy, etc..  Our research confirms that these markets make a quick response, long term energy storage plant economic.  In addition, the potential exists for additional revenue due to the quick response of the ESS - seconds instead of minutes from a typical power plant - and revenue from capacity and demand response when sited at a load resource.

We're currently looking to partner with existing generators as an add-on to thier current facilities.  If they are currently providng frequency regulationt to their ISO, we can allow them to sell more energy, run more efficiently, reduce emissions and wear and tear, and earn additional income.  The application makes even more sense if they have a host or on site load.  Opportunities exist in the PJM, New York, New England, and California ISOs, and additonal opportunities look good in the MISO, Alberta and ERCOT areas.

Other applications are available and will be explored in future posts.