EDF gets 40-MWh behind-the-metre storage contract from PG&E

EDF Renewable Energy (EDF RE) said on Tuesday it has secured a contract from Pacific Gas and Electric Co (PG&E) to provide the California utility with 40 MWh of battery storage capacity.

The project represents a portfolio of behind-the-metre batteries that EDF RE will build, own and operate for commercial and industrial customers within the PG&E service territory.

It is one of six energy storage projects totalling 165 MW that were awarded contracts by PG&E as announced on Monday. EDF RE, a US subsidiary of the renewable energy arm of French utility EDF (EPA:EDF), is the sole awardee in the behind-the-metre category.

Raphael Declercq, vice president of portfolio strategy at EDF RE, said the contract will allow EDF RE to demonstrate its capabilities in the California storage market. Battery storage is becoming increasingly important in the state as investor-owned utilities are required to procure 1,325 MW of storage by 2020.

EDF RE said that thanks to the contract it will help selected PG&E customers to lower their utility bills by reducing demand charges, optimising consumption during off-peak hours and getting revenue from participating in the wholesale market.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!