GE launches innovative energy storage platform called ‘The Reservoir’

With a commitment to deliver cleaner, more reliable power where and when it’s needed most, GE (NYSE: GE) has launched the GE Reservoir -  a comprehensive energy storage platform that delivers a suite of customized storage solutions to help customers address new challenges and seek new opportunities in a rapidly transforming power grid that is becoming more highly diversified and distributed.

The Reservoir is an ideal fit for Saudi Arabia, where renewable energy, especially solar power, is becoming an increasingly significant part of the energy mix, The Reservoir expands GE’s 10-year footprint in the energy storage space and builds upon recent successes and milestones.

The Reservoir already has a 20 megawatts (MW), 80 megawatt hours (MWh) pre-launch commitment. Last year, GE introduced the world’s first hybrid-electric gas turbine to multiple accolades across the industry.  GE was the first-to-market with advanced applications for hybrid electric-gas turbines, wind hybrids and “Black Start” capabilities. Recently, GE also announced a new project with the Arenko Group to build one of the world’s largest energy storage systems in the UK.

“The energy landscape is undergoing an unprecedented paradigm shift, as the growth of renewables, decentralization of power and digitization create both new challenges and opportunities in how power is generated, transmitted and distributed,” said Russell Stokes, President & CEO of GE Power. “GE’s Reservoir delivers the new type of energy system that customers are looking for to help manage electricity’s next chapter.”

Eric Gebhardt, Vice President & Strategic Technology Officer of GE Power, said, “GE’s Reservoir platform enables cost-effective distribution, storage, and utilization of cleaner, more reliable power where and when it is needed most. It can fit into most any setting, from centralized grid systems to the most remote villages and communities. The Reservoir also allows energy providers new degrees of flexibility for more intelligently managing and getting the most out of all their power assets.”

GE’s Reservoir platform, developed with innovative technology from GE’s Global Research Center, is a flexible, compact energy storage solution for AC or DC coupled systems. The Reservoir solution combines GE’s advanced technologies and expertise in plant controls, power electronics, battery management systems and electrical balance of plant – all backed by GE’s performance guarantees.

GE Reservoir Storage Unit

The 1.2 MW, 4 MWh Reservoir Storage Unit, is the fundamental building block of GE’s Reservoir platform. It is a modular solution that integrates GE’s Battery Blade design (module stack design) with key technologies from across the company’s portfolio to achieve an industry-leading energy density, footprint and lifetime performance. GE’s proprietary Blade Protection Unit (BPU) actively balances the safety, life, and production of each battery Blade, extending battery life by up to 15% and reducing fault currents by up to 5X.

A Living, Learning System

GE’s Reservoir platform leverages Predix and Edge controls technologies to provide data-driven insights that help energy operators enhance their systems.  These digital technologies leverage GE’s unique and unparalleled technical and industry domain knowledge across the entire energy ecosystem from generation to consumption.

Put together, GE’s Reservoir delivers the most comprehensive energy storage platform to help meet the energy industry’s rapidly changing needs.  The ability to offer highly customized solutions through the platform offers customers unprecedented levels of flexibility, resilience and operational efficiency in hybrid generation, grid operation and energy management.

GE’s Reservoir also enables other diverse applications that include: Managing higher levels of renewable power, grid stabilization, peak demand management and controlling energy flow. By enabling better asset utilization and overall system management, customers can realize new revenue opportunities and cost savings as well.

Complementing the strategic goals of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has set an ambitious initial target under Vision 2030 to generate 9.5 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy. The Reservoir is a strategic complement to the long-term energy security  goal of the country. GE is already supporting its customers in Saudi Arabia with advanced renewable energy and grid solutions. The company supports the generation of more than half of the Kingdom’s power supply and has over 500 gas turbines installed in Saudi Arabia.