Battery Energy Storage Systems
(BESS) and Microgrids
Paradise Microgrid and Battery Energy Storage System Project
Overview
SDG&E has been rapidly expanding its battery energy storage and microgrid portfolio. We have around 21 BESS and microgrid sites with 290 megawatts (MW) of utility-owned energy storage and another 140+ MW in development.
Typically, these battery systems and microgrids are installed on SDG&E-owned property; they are adjacent to our existing substation facilities or in critical locations where grid reliability and resiliency is needed most.
Microgrids are small-scale electric grids that can operate independent of or parallel to the larger regional grid and can keep critical community facilities powered during outages. Battery storage is an important part of every microgrid.
Battery storage works by absorbing electricity when it’s abundant on the power grid and sending excess power back to the grid when it’s most needed, such as during the evening after the sun sets and solar energy fades away.
Boulevard Microgrid and Battery Energy Storage System Project
Project Benefits
- Helps advance our state's and region’s renewable energy goals.
- Energy storage projects support grid reliability and the integration of more clean energy into the electric grid.
- Enables the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) to dispatch energy from our batteries at any time to help balance supply and demand on the statewide grid.
- Extends the availability of renewable energy into peak demand hours to help reduce impacts of power outages, Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and other emergency or unplanned service interruptions.
About the Projects
What to Expect
Microgrid and battery projects are complicated systems comprised of batteries, inverters or power conversion systems (PCS), transformers, cyber secure communications, metering, switching, energy and battery management systems, microgrid controllers (if applicable) and auxiliary equipment. Typically, batteries are installed in custom-built, above-ground enclosures, with a fire suppression and warning system to maximize safety.
SDG&E will work to minimize impacts such as noise and dust from construction activities to the extent possible. Construction may take place in phases. Sometimes planned outages may occur due to the nature of this work, and customers will be promptly notified.
Project Schedule and Map
Current BESS Projects in construction:
- Santee 10 MW Battery Energy Storage System - estimated end date: Q3 2025
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Fallbrook 2.0 30 MW Battery Energy Storage System – estimated end date: Q3 2025
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Westside Canal 2.0 100 MW Battery energy Storage System – estimated end date: Q2 2025
Construction Notifications and Updates
More Information
If you have any questions or concerns about these BESS and microgrid projects, please contact SDG&E’s toll-free project number at 1-844-210-5821.