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ISSN 2753-7757 (Online)

Energy storage system for Norwegian Arctic community

9/3/2022

News

Saft Intensium Max High Energy storage system for Norwegian Arctic town Photo: Saft
Saft Intensium Max High Energy storage system for Norwegian Arctic town

Photo: Saft

The world’s most northerly community, based in Longyearbyen in Svalbard, in the Norwegian Arctic, is to get a state of the art energy storage system to support the community’s transition from coal to renewable energy.

Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, has won a turnkey contract for a 6 MW/7 MWh energy storage system (ESS). The lithium-ion system will be housed in six containers and will provide a fully integrated solution that includes power conversion and control systems, based on Saft’s ‘Intensium Max High Energy’ technology. The project is due for delivery by late 2022. 

The system will be located next to the town’s coal-fired power station and will provide reserve capacity to overcome fluctuations, as well as providing back-up power for black start capability. When the coal power station closes in 2023, the ESS will provide voltage and frequency control to integrate diesel generators and growing amounts of renewable energy.

Located in the high Arctic and at 78° North, Longyearbyen is one of the world’s most northerly permanent settlements, with winter temperatures that can drop below -40°C. Saft is planning to overcome logistical challenges by scheduling transportation of systems in warmer months.