Energy Storage System Installation Progressing.
The shift to renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic solar parks, is showing positive results: in recent days, the National Electric System’s (SEN) rolling load has decreased from 70 Megawatts to just 30, allowing for a reduction in oil consumption thanks to the promotion of photovoltaic technology.
he Electric Industry Construction Company, in coordination with the National Electric Union, has begun the selection and training process for the technical personnel who will operate the four battery energy storage systems (BESS) currently being installed in the country.
These operators will receive theoretical and practical training to manage this advanced technology, a significant challenge for the entity responsible for the national electrical substations.
The four BESS systems, each with a storage capacity of 50 megawatts, are strategically located: two in Havana, at the Habana 220 and Cotorro 220 substations; one in Cueto, Holguín; and one in Bayamo, Granma. The commissioning phase is expected to begin next April, with full operation anticipated in May, supported by Chinese technical assistance.
These storage systems represent a step forward for the stability of the National Electrical System. They store surplus energy, especially from photovoltaic solar parks—whose deliveries tend to fluctuate—and release it quickly in the event of unforeseen outages of generating units or frequency fluctuations, ensuring greater operational security and reducing vulnerabilities in the grid.
Although BESS technology operates mostly automatically, these initial systems will be manually managed under the supervision of the National Load Dispatch Center.
The shift to renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic solar parks, is showing positive results: in recent days, the rolling load on the National Electric System (SEN) has decreased from 70 Megawatts to just 30, allowing for a reduction in oil consumption thanks to the promotion of photovoltaic technology.
Written by José Miguel Solís.
