In February 28th, a conference on smart solutions for storage and flexibility took place in Think Smartgrids’ premises which were packed for the occasion. The RINGO project led by RTE was in the spotlight, with contributions from Christian Lemaitre, who has been leading the project since its inception in 2016, and Thomas Drizard from Blue Storage (a subsidiary of the Bolloré group).
This experimentation project with large-size batteries is part of RTE‘s overall approach to bring flexibility to the network, in order to optimize the use of existing assets and thus avoid or postpone long-term investments. The aim is to test the use of oversized batteries to automatically manage congestion due to the integration of intermittent renewable energies. In other words, RINGO batteries will locally absorb excess production from renewable generation sites and simultaneously return it to another location on the grid to avoid congestion.
Moreover, RINGO will also provide the French TSO with experience in handling such new equipment, which are likely to become the norm in a near future. In addition to the batteries themselves, RTE is also testing the automated control-command system of these installations via zone PLCs. These are based on a complex architecture of algorithms upstream and downstream of the substation, with the aim of optimizing the electrical system in real time. After the experimentation phase is over, batteries and their automated management system will eventually be up for sale to investors, which then may very well deploy them and task them with additional missions (notably frequency regulation).
The RINGO project is deployed in three sites located in different French regions, with several partners: Nidec Asi, Saft batteries and Schneider Electric, and finally, Blue Solutions, in the south-east of France.
The site on which Blue Solutions is operating has some peculiarities. For one thing, the storage system is built upon a former hydroelectric dam – the new energy world is clashing with the old one! The storage technology is also innovative, since it involves LMP (Lithium Metal Polymer) batteries, instead of classic lithium-ion batteries.
These 100% solid state batteries are distinguished by their ability to maintain a high level of performance and safety whatever the temperature, eliminating the risk of leakage or explosion without the need for air conditioning, and their more environmentally friendly components, free of cobalt, solvents and rare earth elements. Their system of assembly in “cabinets” rather than in more usual containers reinforces the originality of the site.
Questions overwhelmed the speaking guests as soon as their presentations were over, forcing them to elaborate on technical details and the commercial future of the project.