How do energy storage systems work?
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An energy storage facility is connected to the grid at an electric substation or directly to a power line.
The batteries are charged by any sources of power injecting energy onto the grid at that time.
When energy is needed, batteries discharge their stored energy back onto the grid to be used by homes, businesses, and industries.
Energy storage also works to balance renewable energy resources (like solar and wind) that are intermittent and not always 100% predictable.
The need for battery energy storage
The California Independent System Operator, which manages California’s electricity grid, plans for substantial deployment of new energy storage projects over the next 10 years for grid reliability and resilience.
The electric grid in Santa Cruz County is vulnerable to service outages due to extreme local weather events and fire risk, as well as rolling blackouts due to extreme weather and fire risk in other parts of California that could prevent power from reaching Santa Cruz County.
Electricity demand has increased significantly since over the last decade and is anticipated to continue due to planned population growth and increased electrification in the housing, transportation and agriculture sectors locally and throughout California.
The Seahawk Energy Project will also provide critical infrastructure to help implement the County of Santa Cruz’s Climate Action Plan.
About
Energy storage systems are an essential component of a modern, resilient and decarbonized grid. Developing safe, reliable and effective energy storage systems is a priority to support the use of renewable energy.
Energy supply and demand don’t always match up. Batteries help even out the inevitable discrepancies by providing consistent and stable electricity for homes and businesses. Energy storage systems are groups of large-scale battery units that store and release electricity on demand.
The Seahawk energy storage system would connect to existing electric lines. The batteries charge from the utility grid and store excess electricity during times of low demand, then provide power back to the grid during high usage periods.
