Energy storage manufacturer Socomec has inaugurated a state-of-the-art energy storage development center near Strasbourg, France, representing a significant investment in the future of grid security, resilience, and reliability.
The Energy Storage System (ESS) Grid Lab is designed to develop cutting-edge technology that enhances grid security and reliability. With a highly modular and flexible testing environment, the facility can replicate various storage project conditions and installations through an on-site microgrid.
The new 500-square-meter facility will enable Socomec to test the capabilities of a wide range of energy storage projects for customers, ensuring project success before implementation in real-world environments. The lab's on-site generators allow for the simulation of grids from around the world, accommodating different local voltage and frequency types.
Flavien Martos, Energy Storage Solutions Specialist at Socomec, emphasized the importance of the facility for supporting clean energy transition and ensuring grid security and flexibility. Martos stated, “By being able to replicate the grid scenarios where our customers need storage solutions, no matter where they are in the world, we can run development and factory acceptance checks of the custom storage offerings we provide.”
The Grid Lab also offers testing services through its own microgrid of up to 3MW, comprising a variety of platforms. Socomec's scalable energy storage systems, SUNSYS HES XXL and SUNSYS HESL, enable development teams to conduct a wide range of microgrid, grid-integration, and energy storage research.
In addition to supporting Socomec's internal development efforts, the facility is open to partners seeking industry-leading training and expertise, fostering cross-sector collaboration for storage innovation.
The development center, which currently employs 15 people on-site, is poised for further expansion with the addition of a customer showroom later this month.
