The electric industry before and after the Alamitos Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

Today, energy storage is an ingrained topic in any renewables conversation. But not too long ago, energy storage was viewed as a potentially risky, not-yet-proven technology that couldn’t compete with traditional peaker plants, and it “certainly” wasn’t ready to be implemented on a mass scale. But, because of the Alamitos BESS created together with Southern California Edison (SCE) and Fluence, the energy storage industry was born.

Don’t just take our word for it. This is why the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) named the AES Alamitos BESS the winner of the 2021 U.S Edison Award.

Three ways the Alamitos BESS pioneered the future of energy storage

  • It’s the world’s first stand-alone energy storage project for local capacity.
  • It’s the world’s first grid-scale battery energy storage system to receive a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA).
  • It’s the first standalone battery energy storage system specifically procured to replace a natural gas peaker plant in the U.S.

The Alamitos BESS changed how the industry thinks about energy storage. It’s no longer considered an option in the clean energy transition. Now, it’s recognized as the critical component that will enable us to fulfill the promise of a 100% carbon-free future.