Lockheed Martin to provide flow batteries for 103MW solar energy storage project in Canada

Lockheed Martin has revealed plans to supply its GridStar flow battery technology to TC Energy’s Saddlebrook solar storage project, which will be built in Alberta, Canada.

The Saddlebrook Solar PV Energy Storage Project will include a 102.5MW photovoltaic facility using bifacial modules, paired with a GridStar flow battery energy storage system with a capacity of 6.5MW/52MWh. The pilot project is expected to be the largest flow battery energy storage facility in Alberta and will contribute to the region's sustainable development and decarbonization efforts.

Flow batteries are electrochemical storage devices that use reusable, externally stored electrolytes. Compared to lithium-ion battery technology, they are generally cheaper, safer, more flexible, more adaptable, and have longer discharge times - in this case, up to eight hours.

The first phase of the project includes the installation of solar panels, with construction expected to begin in the second quarter of 2022. Commercial operations are expected to be achieved in the fourth quarter of 2022. The battery system is expected to follow a year later, with installation beginning in the third quarter of 2023 and operation in the first quarter of 2024.

The installation will also be the subject of research conducted by the University of Calgary, Lockheed Martin and TC Energy to demonstrate the effectiveness of large-scale solar PV-plus-storage generation facilities and promote similar sustainable energy projects across Canada.

Alberta has become a hotbed for solar in Canada. Westbridge Energy Corp. recently acquired a 75% controlling stake in Sunnynook Solar Energy, which has developed 236MW of solar and 100MW of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Alberta. Westbridge Energy has also started two BESS projects in Alberta with a total capacity of 200MW, as well as the 230MW Georgetown Solar Project.

Lockheed Martin is also investing $9 million in the development and construction of the Saddle Brook PV-storage project. The investment is linked to Canada’s purchase of 17 CC-130J Super Hercules aircraft and in-service support, which were delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force between 2010 and 2012.

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association expects nearly 2GW of wind and solar projects to start construction or be installed by the end of this year.

(Original source: Global Energy Global Energy Storage Network, New Energy Network Comprehensive)