Fluence Energy, Rich Electric To Deploy 100 MW BESS In Taiwan

Fluence Energy has announced a strategic partnership with Rich Electric, a Taiwanese battery-based energy storage systems player, wherein the two companies will deploy a 100 MW battery-based energy storage system in Hualien to support Taipower’s automatic frequency control (AFC) services.

Fluence Energy is a leading global provider of energy storage products and services, and digital applications for renewables and storage.

The timeline for the completion of the target is mid-2023. This will be the first 100 MW-level system in Taiwan and is set to be one of Fluence’s largest AFC projects in the country.

Jan Teichmann, SVP & President for APAC, Fluence, said “Taiwan has become one of the most active energy storage markets in the Asia Pacific region. The growth momentum of the energy ecosystem is driven by a clear target and objectives for renewable energy and net zero emission set by the local government. Through this partnership with Rich Electric, we look forward to building a more resilient smart grid in Taiwan and accelerating the local energy transition.”

Taiwan is in the process of deploying energy storage systems to augment the flexibility of power dispatch and avert recurring power outages. Taipower’s AFC services contributes significantly to the stabilization of the Taiwanese power grid. In Taiwan, Taipower has said that it is targeting 1,000 MW storage capacity by 2025. The Bureau of Energy, Ministry of Economic Affairs has set its sights on achieving 500 MW storage capacity via ground mounted PV systems.

Eric Chen, Chairman, Rich Electric, said “Energy storage systems are indispensable to the deployment of grid-connected renewable energy systems.” He added that Rich Electric is dedicated to creating grid-level energy storage and distribution solutions to provide a stable power supply.

In April 2022, Fluence was awarded the Taoyuan Longtan ultra-high voltage substation project. With an investment of over TWD 2.6 billion and a capacity of 60 MW, this is touted to be the largest energy storage project in the Taiwanese public sector as it will account for 37.5 percent of Taipower’s total storage capacity. Fluence has so far globally deployed or contracted over 4.8 GW of energy storage systems.

Taiwan is bullish about renewable energy additions including energy storage systems in the country. According to International Trade Administration (ITA), Taiwan is looking to devise a 590 MW of battery-based energy storage by the mid-decade. As per the state plans, storage facilities of 160 MW will be managed and procured by Taiwan Power Company. The private sector will develop 430 MW and operate it independently.