Dive Brief:
- Stem Inc. will provide 1 megawatt of behind-the-meter energy storage in a "demonstration project" with Hawaiian Electric (HECO).
- Hawaii’s Energy Excelerator, which was created to bring new energy solutions to the state, is backing the project with a grant of up to $1 million.
- HECO and Stem will identify and enlist participation of commercial and industrial customers with rooftop solar systems; all installations are expected to be completed by March 2015.
Dive Insight:
Stem Inc. continues to gain momentum for its storage systems and has signed a deal with HECO to manage its advanced energy intelligence solution for commercial and industrial customers throughout Oahu. The 1 MW project is being called a "demonstration" aimed at using the aggregate portfolio of energy storage customers to provide additional grid capacity to smooth out variable solar generation and meet peak demand.
“Hawaii’s renewable energy growth and isolated location present unique and significant challenges for local grid operators,” said Stem CEO John Carrington. “Utilities and regulators are watching Hawaii to determine the viability of storage-enabled grid services. We are proud to be working with Hawaiian Electric to address those grid challenges with our technology.”
Stem is also providing technology to leverage the renewable forecasting and monitoring project that Hawaiian Electric currently operates. "By participating, Stem customers will receive financial incentives to provide grid responsive power," the company said.
“We see energy storage supported by smart grid software as an increasingly essential component of the modern grid,” said Shelee Kimura, Hawaiian Electric vice president for corporate planning and business development.
