Ice Energy has completed the installation of a distributed energy storage pilot project, in conjunction with Austin Energy, at the South Austin Recreational Center, located in South-Central Austin.

The project represents the first installation of Ice Energy’s Ice Bear distributed energy storage technology in the state of Texas.

Storing cleaner, more efficient and more abundant energy off peak, and delivering it on peak, at the site of consumption, Ice Energy’s Ice Bear distributed energy storage system is specifically developed for deployment on small- to mid-sized commercial buildings. Widespread deployment of these units could help Austin Energy improve energy system efficiency, while absorbing off-peak wind generation and balancing Austin’s growing number of solar arrays.

In addition, the Ice Bear’s built-in smart grid controller allows the units to be remotely monitored and dispatched to provide real-time, verifiable load control, contributing to Austin Energy’s acclaimed Smart Grid 2.0. The project will also help Austin Energy assess its plans for further energy storage installations.

“The Texas load profile is ideally suited for this type of energy storage,” said John McGee, COO of Ice Energy. “The large, thermally driven summer peak, coupled with substantial renewable generation and an advanced smart grid installation, enable the Ice Energy solution to deliver a high level of value, right when the grid can benefit the most.”

Ice Energy is also a participant in the Pecan Street Project, Austin’s clean-energy initiative, which recently received $10.4 million from the Department of Energy and will include energy storage at their Mueller Airport redevelopment project.