SP Group (SP) and EMA jointly announced a pilot initiative to install an ice thermal Energy Storage System (ESS) at an electricity substation. This is a first such facility as traditionally, such thermal storage facilities are located within a district cooling plant. The pilot will optimise the space in the substation – located at George Street – and be completed in the third quarter of 2026 as part of the substation’s renewal works.
The ESS can enable the curtailment of up to 2 megawatts of electrical load which will help balance the load and address the issue of supply intermittency associated with renewable energy, thereby enhancing the resilience of our power grid. As part of the pilot, SP will install 3,000 refrigeration tons (RT) of chiller capacity at the substation to support the future expansion of the Marina Bay district cooling network, bringing the total installed capacity of the network to 73,000 RT. The thermal ESS will also enhance SP’s participation in demand response, mitigating high prices during times of tight electricity supply.
More details in the media release here.
Infographic — Thermal Energy Storage and Demand Response