Sacramento Municipal Utility District and MEPPI's Power Systems Group Partner to Bring Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Online

    WARRENDALE, PA, February 02, 2022 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dependable energy storage is one of the essential technologies that the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) will rely on to achieve its 2030 Clean Energy Vision – the utility's ambitious plan to eliminate greenhouse gases from electric generation by the end of the decade. SMUD's carbon-free target has important environmental ramifications for the community, which can emerge to lead other communities to improve their sustainability goals.

To help meet its goals, SMUD turned to Mitsubishi Electric Power Products Inc. (MEPPI) Power Systems Group to design, install and commission a battery energy storage system (BESS) to capture and store solar power for residential and commercial customers. MEPPI's Power Systems Group, which is ISO-9001-2015 certified, provided turnkey services that included general contracting, engineering design, procurement and construction management for the 4-megawatt (4MW) storage facility.

SMUD will operate the facility to explore and develop technical expertise in and best practices for incorporating BESS technology within SMUD's power grid.

MEPPI is ISO 9001-certified for substation design and installation management, ensuring that the project team follows stringent turnkey procedures. MEPPI's quality system also assures customers that project designs meet their requirements and systematic project management maintains quality standards throughout the construction, installation and commissioning process.

MEPPI Power Systems Group's expertise proved critical in meeting the project's targeted completion date despite a number of Covid-related supply chain and contractor availability challenges.

"A project like this is a complex balancing act involving multiple vendors and subcontractors," says John Paserba, Vice President of MEPPI's Power Systems Group. "Municipal utilities like SMUD face the same environmental and engineering challenges as larger public utilities in carrying out ambitious programs like the Zero Carbon Plan that are vital to the community's economic welfare and public health.

"That's where we come in. Our ISO-certified substation design and installation management services augment SMUD's in-house resources and expertise to ensure the success of projects. We're proud to work with SMUD to achieve this important milestone in the Zero Carbon Plan and help keep it moving forward."

Battery storage systems are a major component of SMUD's 2030 carbon reduction goals," says SMUD CEO and General Manager Paul Lau. "Battery storage systems provide backup power, ensure grid stability and support integration of renewable energy sources into the power generation mix. SMUD is on course to eliminate carbon emissions from the region's power supply and is committed to add a total of 1,100 MW of storage by the end of the decade. Through our partnerships, we can realize the benefits and path forward of utility-scale battery storage one step at a time and ensure a green energy future that's affordable and reliable."

"Our 2030 Zero Carbon Plan goals are more than wishful thinking – they're a matter of public health and economic prosperity for Sacramento residents and businesses," Lau adds. "MEPPI has been instrumental in assisting us as we implement this phase of our program with their turnkey energy storage solutions."

About Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc. (MEPPI)
Headquartered in Warrendale, Pennsylvania, Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc. is a U.S. affiliate of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation of Japan and serves the North American power systems, rail transportation, and large visual display markets with electrical and electronic products, systems and services. uninterruptible power supplies, rail transportation equipment, and high-definition LED displays for sports, commercial, and retail installations. Information on Mitsubishi Electric Power Products' complete line of products and services can be found at www.MEPPI.com

In addition to electric utility products, Mitsubishi Electric US group companies' principal businesses include semiconductor devices, automotive electrical components, factory automation products and services, cooling and heating products and elevators and escalators.

About SMUD
As the nation's sixth-largest community-owned, not-for-profit, electric service provider, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity for more than 70 years to Sacramento County and small adjoining portions of Placer and Yolo Counties. SMUD is a recognized industry leader and award winner for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies, and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. SMUD's power mix is about 50 percent non-carbon emitting.

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