The Baochi Energy Storage Station recently commissioned by China Southern Power Grid (CSG) is a significant development in the renewable energy sector.
Located in Wenshan, Yunnan province, this facility is the first large-scale hybrid lithium-sodium battery energy storage facility in China and holds the distinction of deploying the world’s first grid-forming sodium-ion battery system. With an investment exceeding CNY 460 million (approximately $63.8 million), the station occupies 34,000 square meters and is built to an installed capacity of 200MW/400MWh.
The facility’s operational capacity reveals impressive figures; it is configured for a dual daily charge-discharge cycle, making it capable of regulating up to 580 GWh annually—sufficient to power a substantial 270,000 households. Notably, a substantial 98% of the electricity processed by the Baochi station originates from renewable sources. Supporting over 30 local wind and solar power stations, it addresses the challenges posed by the intermittent nature of renewable energy, thereby facilitating the integration of a high percentage of renewable energy into the power grid.
The Baochi plant marks a technical achievement by integrating lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries at a single location. Lithium batteries, recognized for their maturity and swift response times, manage high-frequency regulations within the grid. Simultaneously, the sodium-ion batteries, developed leveraging China’s proprietary technology, contribute to the station’s capabilities with enhanced thermal adaptability and secure access to raw materials. These sodium-ion batteries boast a maximum output and response speed that are reportedly three and six times greater, respectively, than conventional models.
The implications of this development stretch beyond technological advancements alone. By supporting energy storage needs with a combination of lithium and sodium-ion batteries, China mitigates risks associated with raw material supply constraints and enhances energy security. Moreover, this pilot project sets a precedent for future endeavors in sustainable energy storage, showcasing the potential and viability of sodium-ion technology in large-scale applications.
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