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Сентябрь
2022

Batteries, community spirit help California fight heat wave

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Dire predictions of blackouts in California during a fearsome heat wave this month never came to pass, with technology - and a dose of community spirit - helping the creaking grid through its most testing period ever.

The mercury topped 43 Celsius on consecutive days, as a thrumming heat dome parked itself over the western United States.

But the grid never failed, thanks in part to the state's quietly acquired battery fleet.

Video: AFP

"Batteries stepped in and... played a critical role" in rebalancing electricity demand, said Weikko Wirta, director of operations at AES Southland, a 400 megawatt installation at Long Beach near Los Angeles.

The huge electricity storage facility, which resembles an enormous server farm, is one of the largest in the state.

Sunny California has abundant solar energy at its disposal, and harnesses a growing amount of the rays that land on its rooftops.

During daylight hours, solar and other renewables provide around 30 to 40% of the state's electricity needs.

Video: AFP

But as the sun dips, there can be a shortfall - especially on very hot days when air conditioners are switched on as everyone gets home from work and school.

"When the solar goes away...




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