| Abstract Scope |
Energy storage applications vary based on the unique requirements and constraints of each use case. The Fairbanks, Alaska region presents distinct challenges, including an isolated power grid with limited generation resources and constrained interconnections to adjacent power systems. Pumped Thermal Energy Storage (PTES) offers a solution by enhancing grid flexibility, reliability, and adequacy, while reducing generation rates and operating effectively in central Alaska's extreme climate conditions. PTES integrates advanced grid-scale heat pump and heat engine systems with moderate-temperature thermal energy storage to achieve a balance between cost and performance. Led by Westinghouse Electric Corporation using technology developed by Echogen and partially funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the project will deliver a 1.2 GWhe storage system capable of supplying 50 MW of electricity for 24 hours. The PTES system will be installed at Golden Valley Electric Association’s (GVEA) North Pole generating station. The Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phase is nearing completion, with 30% of the system design finalized at the conclusion of the study. |