At the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference in Cancun, Mexico’s President Calderon announced his country’s intention to support a project to build the largest energy storage warehouse in North America.
Many inroads have been made over the last couple of years in clearing a major hurdle associated with renewable energy – storing electricity generated during peak production for times when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. Aside from developments such as molten salt batteries, energy storage warehouses are likely to become commonplace in the not-too-distant future. These energy warehouses will basically act as a giant battery.
Dubai-based Rubenius has developed technology to utilize massive NaS (Sodium Sulphur) battery banks, which will be installed in Mexicali. NaS batteries are much smaller than lead acid deep cycle batteries, required approximately one third of the installation area. NaS technology also a offers far longer serviceable life of around 15 years.
“There are many renewables in northern Mexico including solar in Sonora and wind in Baja, but this can only be triggered if they have an energy storage facility such as the one announced by Rubenius to be installed in our country,” stated Calderon.
In what will be an additional boost to Mexico’s economy, Rubenius says it has intentions to pursue energy storage manufacturing operations with Mexico. A factory will be based in Baja California, creating an additional 1,000 jobs for locals.
Rubenius says the storage warehouse will also help increasing efficiency and optimization of the mains grid. The projet will require an investment of more than $4 billion over the next 5 to 7 years.
