Energy storage system improves security of supply in the Norwegian Arctic
French battery technology company Saft has won a contract to provide an energy storage system (ESS) for the community of Longyearbyen in Svalbard, the island group in the Norwegian Arctic region.
The solution will include a 6MW/7MWh lithium-ion system housed in six containers, as well as power conversion and control systems.
Joachim Karlsen, Longyearbyen Council’s Project Manager says: “We selected Saft after a competitive bidding process that evaluated price, quality and capability to deliver. One aspect we particularly liked about Saft is its experience and proven high reliability with similar systems for remote communities in northern Canada and Alaska. That has given us extra reassurance that their team has what it takes to deliver this complex project in harsh Arctic conditions and that their technology will provide us with reliability and security of supply.”
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The project will be located next to a local coal-fired power station and, according to Saft, will provide reserve capacity to overcome fluctuations and backup power for black start capability.
The ESS will also serve to provide voltage and frequency control to integrate diesel generators and renewables when the coal power station closes in 2023.
The battery storage system will lower emissions and enable a better security of supply, says Karlsen, ultimately supporting Longyearbyen council’s transition to net zero.
Logistical challenges
Due to the location of Longyearbyen, the project will present some unique challenges. Situated at 78° North, winter temperatures can drop below -40°C, which means transport will need to be scheduled for the warmer months, according to Saft.
However, despite work taking place in the summer months, final commissioning must occur during the winter to demonstrate the system’s functionality in intense cold.
Project delivery is set for late 2022.
