Salt River Project (SRP), a renowned not-for-profit public power utility, and CMBlu Energy (CMBlu), a leading designer and manufacturer of long-duration Organic SolidFlowT energy storage systems based in Germany, have joined forces for an innovative pilot project in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. The project aims to deploy long-duration energy storage (LDES) and marks SRP as the first U.S. electric utility to implement CMBlu’s unique non-lithium technology on this scale.

The Desert Blume project, a 5-MW, 10-hour-duration initiative, will be based at SRP’s Copper Crossing Energy and Research Center in Florence, Ariz. CMBlu will oversee the construction, ownership, and operation of the batteries on SRP’s behalf. One of the distinguishing features of CMBlu’s Organic SolidFlow battery technology is its utilization of a non-flammable proprietary mixture of solid electrolyte and water-based electrolytes, capable of providing high energy density and outstanding performance. These fully recyclable systems, devoid of rare metals, will be housed within buildings to ensure added safety. CMBlu anticipates that its battery system will allow for the cost-effective storage and delivery of energy for two-to-three times longer per cycle compared to traditional lithium-ion technology, which typically targets a four-hour duration.

The primary purpose of this endeavor is to enable SRP to store excess energy generated during the day, primarily from Arizona’s abundant solar installations, and release it back into the grid throughout the night. With a capacity to power approximately 1,125 average homes for 10 hours, this project aligns with SRP’s commitment to serving its customers’ energy needs reliably and sustainably.

As a part of SRP’s Copper Crossing Energy and Research Center’s development, this pilot constitutes the approved third phase. The initial phase will introduce two flexible natural gas turbines producing under 100 MW collectively, while the second phase will feature a utility-scale advanced solar generation facility capable of generating up to 55 MW of solar energy.

CMBlu emerged as SRP’s selected collaborator after an extensive search for long-duration storage project proposals from emerging energy storage companies. To ensure accurate performance monitoring and validate the technology’s real-world efficacy in Arizona’s hot and arid climate, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) will lend its support. Construction is scheduled to commence in early 2025, with an anticipated operational timeframe of December 2025.

This pioneering partnership between Salt River Project and CMBlu Energy signifies a significant step forward in the advancement of long-duration energy storage technology. By harnessing the potential of CMBlu’s non-lithium battery systems, SRP is demonstrating its commitment to sustainable energy solutions that benefit its customers and the environment.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this research report is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial or investment advice. The energy market is highly volatile, and readers should conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.