Burbank Water and Power Unveils City’s First Long-Duration Energy Storage System

Burbank, CA (May 31, 2024) – Burbank Water and Power (BWP) proudly announces the commissioning of its first long-duration energy storage (LDES) system, a significant milestone in the City’s transition to sustainable energy solutions. Local elected officials, including Mayor Nick Schultz, State Senator Anthony Portantino, and members of the Burbank City Council, were present to celebrate the installation and commissioning of the 75 kW / 500 kWh ESS Energy Warehouse™ iron flow battery on the BWP EcoCampus. This system, integrated with a 265-kW solar array, will provide enough renewable power for 300 homes annually.

The iron flow battery, developed by ESS Tech, Inc. (ESS), will play a crucial role in supporting the increased use of renewable power in Burbank. BWP is driving towards a greenhouse gas-free power supply by 2040, five years earlier than mandated by the State of California (SB 100).  The iron flow battery technology is not only safe and non-toxic but also boasts a 25-year lifespan without capacity degradation. The battery was manufactured in the United States using domestically sourced, earth-abundant materials, aligning with BWP’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.

“The commissioning of The Energy Warehouse™ battery is a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to ensure a sustainable energy future for Burbank,” said Mandip Samra, General Manager, Burbank Water and Power. “We are excited to enhance the reliability and resilience of our grid while maximizing the use of renewable energy.”

Energy storage is a key challenge in the shift towards sustainable power. Renewable sources like solar and wind energy, though environmentally friendly, require efficient storage solutions to ensure their reliability. Without proper storage, solar power is limited to daylight hours, and wind power is dependent on weather conditions.

“Visionary utilities like Burbank Water and Power are leading the way to the clean energy future by incorporating advanced long-duration energy storage technologies today,” said Eric Dresselhuys, CEO of ESS. “We look forward to working with BWP and other leading utilities in California and beyond for years to come.”

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