#United States #Sonoma County #U.S. Department of Energy #Inlyte Energy #Iron-Sodium Battery

Inlyte Energy Secures $4.1 Million DOA Grant for Revolutionary Battery Initiative

In a significant advancement for energy resilience, Inlyte Energy has been awarded a $4.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to implement a pioneering iron-sodium battery storage system in Northern California. This initiative is not just about energy; it plays a crucial role in fortifying community resilience, particularly in high wildfire-risk zones.

Project Overview

The project will be executed at Alliance Redwoods Conference Grounds in Sonoma County, California. This location is particularly crucial as it serves as a designated community evacuation center and a staging area for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The partnership with Vital Energy Solutions seeks to provide not only a reliable energy source but also a sustainable one, demonstrating a commitment toward reducing reliance on diesel-powered backup systems.

Ben Kaun, Chief Commercial Officer of Inlyte, emphasized that the necessity for reliable power systems is becoming more critical with the increasing severity of power outages. He stated, "With power outages growing more severe, Inlyte's iron-sodium batteries deliver resilient and affordable energy storage where communities need it most. This project demonstrates our mission in action."

Innovative Technology

The iron-sodium battery technology stands out as Inlyte’s innovative solution in the energy storage market, primarily because it is domestically manufactured and non-flammable. These batteries can withstand higher ambient temperatures, making them ideal for the specific conditions of Sonoma County. Once paired with the planned 570 kW solar array at Alliance Redwoods, Inlyte's 200 kW / 4 MWh battery system is projected to reduce annual electricity costs by as much as $300,000. Moreover, it promises up to two weeks of emergency backup power, aiding in the reduction of diesel generator use, which in turn lessens local air pollution.

Antonio Baclig, Inlyte’s CEO, voiced pride in offering a solution that aligns with safety, scalability, and affordability needs. He underscored the importance of creating a resilient energy future, saying, "Our domestically manufactured iron-sodium battery delivers on all fronts, and we are proud to be creating a more resilient and secure energy future in the U.S."

Community Impact

The critical nature of this project cannot be understated. Located in a Tier 3 High Fire Threat Zone, the site is crucial for community safety and well-being. Apart from providing backup power for Alliance Redwoods, it will also supply power to the nearby Russian River Utility water pump station, essential for public water supply and firefighting efforts.

Mike Dethlefsen, a board member at Alliance Redwoods, remarked about the transformative potential of this project, stating, "This project is a game-changer for our camp and our community. With Inlyte's battery and our solar array, we can operate independently from the grid during outages at a greatly reduced cost. Crucially, it ensures we can remain operational to serve our community and power other critical local infrastructure when the grid goes down."

Project Development Details

Vital Energy, based in Sonoma County, will take the lead on project development, engineering, and construction. They have extensive experience in providing solar and backup energy solutions and are well-prepared to integrate Inlyte’s iron-sodium battery into a microgrid system.

Akshay Pagare, the project developer at Vital Energy, pointed out the necessity of innovative solutions in high fire-risk areas and believes this project will profoundly impact local communities and serve as a model for replication in similar at-risk areas.

Scheduled to become operational in 2027, the Alliance Redwoods project illustrates a significant step towards improving energy resilience while ensuring public safety and reducing operational costs with domestic energy solutions.

About Inlyte Energy

Inlyte Energy is revolutionizing the energy storage sector with its iron-sodium battery technology, which offers a safe and sustainable alternative for long-duration energy storage. Their unique design, utilizing basic materials such as iron and salt, positions them at the forefront of energy transition initiatives. For further information, visit www.inlyteenergy.com.

About Alliance Redwoods Conference Grounds

Founded in 1946, Alliance Redwoods offers enriching outdoor experiences and is committed to serving diverse communities. Their focus on educational and recreational activities highlights their ongoing commitment to community support, especially in times of crises. For more information, check out their site at allianceredwoods.com.

About Vital Energy

Vital Energy has been a leader in solar and backup power solutions for over five decades, striving for renewable energy independence for communities. With extensive clean energy project experience throughout Northern California, they continue to set the stage for energy innovation. To learn more, visit vitalenergysolar.com.