The Russian Federal Grid Co. will develop storage systems under a nationwide grid modernization program. An equipment-supply, business and technical consulting contract has been signed with Ener1 for $40 million. The Russian government has funded the update of the country’s power transmission infrastructure at a level of $15 billion through 2012.

The initial phase of cooperation is underway and scheduled for completion in Q2 next year. It focuses on grid integration of large-scale emergency power back-up systems in economically critical regions, specifically the Black Sea port city of Sochi, selected as the official site of the XXII Winter Olympic Games in 2014. Installations are being custom designed for exacting operational conditions and placement at remote grid substations in the Western Caucasus Mountains ski resort Krasnaya Polyana. The purpose is to maximize reliability of the power supply for Olympic events.

The supply contract was signed with state-run FGC’s wholly owned subsidiary Mobile GTES, a Russian manufacturer of mobile electric power stations. In addition to the design and manufacture of the specialized Sochi energy storage units, the contract includes two in-depth joint studies involving Ener1 and FGC engineers covering:

• System-wide assessment for deployment of lithium-ion storage for applications including strengthening the grid in remote regions, peak load-shaving and future integration of intermittent renewable power sources such as wind.
• Feasibility of localization within Russia of development and manufacture of lithium-ion battery cells and other components for energy storage systems.