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The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) in California has launched a 30-megawatt, 20-megawatt-hour lithium-ion battery storage system. This system enhances grid reliability by balancing power and integrating renewable energy resources.

It enables 'black start' capabilities at the El Centro generation station and functions as a spinning reserve, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The project, one of the largest battery storage systems in the western United States, aims to smooth variable generation and increase overall reliability.

Construction began in late summer, and the system is now fully operational. IID anticipates reduced operating costs for customers in its first year and throughout the project's lifespan. General Electric provided the integrated storage solution, while Samsung SDI America supplied the lithium-ion batteries.