– Photon proposed a 185MW solar PV project with a 50MW/5,000MWh energy storage system using thermal energy storage technology
– Their proposal was not selected for further stages of an RFI seeking long-term renewable PPAs in California
– The technology uses a hybrid charging process to store energy as heat and dispatch it as electricity with high efficiency, aiming to provide long duration storage for renewable power integration.
Photon proposed a 185MW solar PV project along with a 50MW/5,000MWh energy storage system using thermal energy storage technology. This system would provide eight hours of solar PV a day, 16 hours of stored renewable power via daily cycling, and 84 hours of backup power. The proposal was in response to a request for long-term renewable power purchase agreements in California, with the potential to be the first project of its kind in the state. However, the proposal was recently rejected, but discussions with other potential customers are ongoing.
The thermal energy storage system works by storing energy as heat and converting it into electricity. This innovative technology includes a hybrid charging process, where the system is first charged with electricity and then with direct heat. This allows the system to maximize efficiency and reduce costs. By utilizing low-cost solar thermal collectors and patented sand bricks for heat storage, the system is able to maintain high electrical-to-electrical efficiency, making it ideal for long-duration storage with daily cycling requirements.
The company aims to deploy its systems starting in 2026/27, with a focus on providing a lower-cost alternative to buying power from new combined cycle gas turbine plants. They have raised over US$3.5 million in funding from various investors, including Houston Angel Network, rpv, Wilson Sonsini, and Conifer Infrastructure Partners. Their goal is to create a well-balanced utility grid powered mostly by renewable energy, positioning themselves as a key player in the renewable energy market.