Nostromo Energy and Olivine Achieve Milestone in Thermal Energy Storage Integrated into Energy Markets

Nostromo Energy and Olivine's Energy Storage Milestone

In a significant advance for the energy sector, Nostromo Energy, a frontrunner in integrated demand management, has partnered with Olivine, a noted provider of distributed energy resource management, to introduce the first-ever thermal energy storage system into California's wholesale energy market. Installed at the iconic Beverly Hilton Hotel, and also benefiting the nearby Waldorf Astoria, Nostromo's IceBrick system marks a pivotal moment for distributed energy resource (DER) integration.

The deployment of this innovative technology is not just a testament to technological advancement; it reflects a broader commitment to creating an efficient and responsive energy grid. California has set ambitious goals, including achieving a load shift of 7 GW by 2030 as part of its SB 846 initiative, aimed at enhancing the state’s energy efficiency and reliability. During a summer testing phase, the IceBrick system demonstrated its capabilities by providing demand reductions exceeding 200 kW during dispatch events, contributing significantly to this goal.

Senator Henry Stern emphasized the importance of optimizing existing grid resources, stating, “California’s clean-energy future depends on smarter use of the grid we already have.” The IceBrick system plays a vital role in enabling a grid that is not only resilient but also cost-effective.

In practical terms, the integration of Nostromo’s IceBrick into California's Independent System Operator (CAISO) market showcases the potential for buildings to act as active contributors to the electrical grid. By creating what are effectively virtual power plants composed of facilities like the Beverly Hilton, these behind-the-meter installations can participate in energy market transactions, creating new revenue streams for businesses and supporting grid operations.

Olivine's ClimateResponse platform was instrumental in facilitating this innovative integration. With its capabilities for navigating complex CAISO requirements and enabling real-time energy management, Olivine supports the monetization of operational assets, ensuring that technologies like the IceBrick system can reliably provide grid services.

As Beth Reid, CEO of Olivine, noted, “This project shows that behind-the-meter thermal energy storage can be a powerful, flexible resource in the wholesale market.” The collaboration between Nostromo and Olivine highlights how cutting-edge technology and market acumen can unlock new opportunities for grid management and sustainability.

The IceBrick technology itself represents a marriage of efficiency and flexibility. By storing energy as ice during low-cost periods and then discharging it during peak demand, the system effectively flattens energy demand curves and allows for more predictable grid operations. This process not only reduces costs for the facility but also alleviates strain on the electrical system during high-demand periods.

The implications of this innovation extend beyond individual use cases. As Nostromo’s system gains traction, it aligns with the U.S. Department of Energy’s vision for grid-interactive efficient buildings—potentially saving the national electricity system billions annually while creating a more robust and sustainable energy infrastructure.

Yoram Ashery, CEO of Nostromo Energy, stated, “Cooling by commercial buildings and data centers is the single largest load on the grid.” The ability of these large energy demands to operate more interactively with the power grid underscores the potential for buildings and facilities to discover new energy efficiencies and cost savings.

Looking ahead, Nostromo and Olivine are committed to scaling this model to other commercial and industrial environments. They aim to enable a wider array of facilities to become participants in the energy market, enhancing their economic viability while also contributing to decarbonization efforts. The progress made at the Beverly Hilton sets a strong precedent for energy management practices that embrace flexibility and sustainability.

In conclusion, the joint efforts of Nostromo Energy and Olivine not only advance thermal energy storage technology but also reinforce the critical need for innovative energy solutions that are economically and environmentally sustainable. As we transition towards a cleaner energy future, this collaboration exemplifies the potential for buildings and businesses to become integral parts of a smarter energy system.