Covina Reliability Project

Storage FAQs

• How does battery storage work?

  In the same way that batteries provide a safe and convenient way to power our mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles, and many other everyday items, grid-scale battery storage offers a way to save energy for when we need it most. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) play a crucial role in modernizing power grids by providing flexibility, reliability, and improved integration of renewable energy sources. BESS is primarily used to store excess energy during periods of low energy demand and release it back to the grid when demand is high or during grid emergencies. Additionally, energy storage provides ancillary services in the form of frequency regulation and voltage support that adds resiliency to the grid.

• How does battery storage help my local electrical grid?

  Battery storage systems benefit the electrical grid in two key ways. First, they offer a nearby source of power that can respond quickly to increases in electricity usage and help avoid outages during times of peak demand. They also provide key technical services necessary to maintain a safe and reliable grid, such as frequency and voltage support. In this way, they improve the resiliency of the grid and make it more dependable for the local community. Second, battery storage makes it possible to use more electricity from variable resources like wind and solar, contributing to a cleaner environment for all.

• How do RWE battery storage projects benefit the local community?

  Battery storage projects contribute to local economies by creating jobs as well as demand for local goods and services during the construction phase. Once operational, property tax payments from battery storage projects are a source of stable, long-term revenue that towns and counties can use to improve roads, schools, and local services. In addition, battery storage systems contribute to the safety and reliability of the local and regional electrical grid by providing instantaneous power or ancillary services during times of peak demand.

• Does battery storage increase the cost of electricity?

  Battery storage plays an important role in avoiding spikes in electricity prices and keeping overall energy costs affordable. This is because battery storage is typically used during times of peak demand, when the most expensive energy resources on the grid would otherwise be used. By displacing these expensive resources, battery storage helps smooth out the price curve. As more battery storage projects are installed to the grid, the associated costs to build them are projected to decrease significantly. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, the cost of battery storage systems fell 71% between 2014 and 2020, and the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates the cost could fall another 47% by 2030.

• What do battery storage systems look like? Do they make noise?

  Grid-scale batteries look a lot like shipping containers. A battery storage system is composed of multiple batteries and typically has a relatively small footprint of around 10-20 acres. The batteries themselves do not produce any noticeable noise, although some of the accessory equipment may make about the same amount of noise as the air conditioner on a large house. All of RWE’s battery storage sites meet or fall below the limits set by local noise ordinances and may use landscaping or setbacks to minimize any potential for visual and sound disturbances.

• Are battery storage systems safe?

  Yes, battery storage systems are very safe. RWE’s battery storage systems must adhere to strict federal, state, and local safety requirements for power plants, in addition to meeting our own high standards. Our skilled in-house operations and maintenance team monitors our facilities 24/7/365 and can respond quickly in the unlikely event of an issue. We also work with local fire departments and first responders to ensure that they have the training and equipment to respond to any incidents that may arise. In addition, battery storage systems do not create any air or water pollution, providing substantial benefits to the grid while protecting the environment, health, and safety of surrounding communities.

• How are battery storage systems maintained?

  Battery storage systems do not have any moving parts and require minimal maintenance. These facilities utilize state-ofthe-art safety technology and are operated and monitored remotely 24/7/365. Each battery is equipped with systems that alert us to any operational variances right away, so we can intervene and address any potential problems before they start. In addition, the BESS will be covered by warranty by the equipment manufacturer, who will provide routine inspections, testing, and maintenance to ensure all equipment is operating properly and safely as part of the warranty service agreement.

• What guardrails are in place to ensure the safety of battery storage systems?

  Safety is the top priority for the battery storage industry, and this commitment is reflected by the rigorous safety codes and standards applied to the siting, planning and development of battery storage systems, which is why safety incidents at battery storage facilities are rare. Nationwide, every battery technology that is connected to the electrical grid has been vetted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL), which provides screening, testing, and evaluation for battery energy storage technologies and components.

• What is the project’s lifespan and what happens at the end of the project’s life?

  Battery storage facilities typically have an operational lifespan of 20-30 years. If a BESS reaches the end of its useful life and is no longer wanted or needed, as the facility owner RWE assumes full responsibility for removing all the equipment and materials associated with the BESS and returning the land to its original state. As a renewable energy company committed to sustainability, RWE prioritizes recycling as many components as possible, and any materials that cannot be recycled are safely disposed of in accordance with local laws and regulations.