Overview
The Glendale Battery Energy Storage System is a 2 MW pumped hydro storage facility in Glendale, California, owned by the City of Glendale. It supports grid stability and renewable energy integration.
The Glendale Battery Energy Storage System is a pumped hydro storage facility located in Glendale, California, United States. Owned by the City of Glendale, this operational plant has a capacity of 2 MW, positioning it as a small-scale energy storage asset within the state's diverse energy portfolio. As a pumped hydro storage facility, it utilizes two water reservoirs at different elevations to store and generate electricity. This technology is well-established and offers long-duration storage capabilities. In California, such facilities operate under state and federal regulations, including compliance with safety standards and grid interconnection requirements. The facility plays a role in local grid stability, providing services such as peak shaving and frequency regulation. By storing excess energy during low-demand periods and releasing it during peak times, it supports the integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, contributing to California's clean energy goals.
Environmental context
Pumped hydro storage facilities like this one involve water management and can affect local hydrology. The Glendale facility is situated in an urban area, requiring careful siting to minimize environmental impact. Key considerations include thermal runaway risk for battery components, though pumped hydro is generally lower risk than lithium-ion systems. The facility's grid interconnection role helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels during peak demand.
Frequently asked questions
The Glendale Battery Energy Storage System is located in Glendale, California, United States, at coordinates 34.1623, -118.2837.
The facility uses pumped hydro storage, which stores energy by pumping water to an upper reservoir and releasing it through turbines to generate electricity.
The facility is owned by the City of Glendale, California.
Pumped hydro storage facilities in the US must comply with federal and state regulations, including dam safety standards (FERC), environmental impact assessments (NEPA), and grid interconnection requirements (FERC Orders).
The 2 MW facility provides peak shaving and frequency regulation services, helping to stabilize the grid and integrate renewable energy sources like solar power.