ESS Tech Inc, an US manufacturer specializing in long-duration energy storage systems (LDES), has announced a significant milestone in its global expansion efforts. The company revealed plans to supply an initial 1 MW/8 MWh of storage capacity to Nigerian energy firm Sapele Power Plc, marking ESS' inaugural project on the African continent.
In a groundbreaking move, ESS' venture into Africa represents the largest export of battery storage systems from the United States to the continent to date, according to the company's announcement. The deal, partially financed by the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), underscores the increasing importance of energy storage solutions in enhancing reliability and efficiency within the Nigerian power sector.
Heather Onoh, a board member at Sapele Power Plc, expressed confidence in the project's ability to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the company's generation assets in Nigeria. ESS' cutting-edge iron-flow technology is poised to deliver load-smoothing capabilities, facilitate peak demand shifting, and optimize the operation of Sapele power station's turbines with enhanced efficiency.
Eric Dresselhuys, CEO of ESS, emphasized the company's commitment to meeting global demand for long-duration energy storage solutions while catering to innovative use cases. Dresselhuys remarked, “As we continue to grow and meet global demand for long-duration energy storage, we are proud to serve innovative use cases, demonstrating the many potential applications for ESS technology.”
In a parallel development, ESS announced the successful completion of commissioning for an initial system installed at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. This system is designed to replace diesel ground power units, providing clean and reliable energy to aircraft parked at airport gates, thus reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
“This project provides a blueprint for LDES to safely provide clean, reliable energy in airport operations and reduce fossil fuel dependence,” Dresselhuys commented, underlining the broader implications of ESS' innovative solutions beyond traditional energy markets.
