50MW Energy Storage Facility to be Built at Pahrump Working Gravel Mine
Pahrump, Nevada – ARES Nevada, an affiliate of Advanced Rail Energy Storage (ARES), today announced the groundbreaking for its first GravityLineTM merchant energy storage facility. The 50 MW facility will be able to provide 15 minutes of regulation services at full capacity – supporting renewable energy integration across the Western U.S. ARES GravityLine uses proven rail technology to harness the power of gravity, providing a utility-scale storage solution at a cost that beats batteries.
“While we have made significant steps forward in renewable energy generation, it is clear utilities and independent power producers alike need a diversity of energy storage solutions. Cost-effective and scalable while non-flammable and water-less, ARES GravityLine is that solution,” said Howard Trott, ARES CEO.
“The first ARES GravityLine facility and future projects will create much-needed storage capabilities helping to avoid blackouts and shutdowns while keeping power prices affordable. We are thankful for the tremendous support of the Wulfenstein family, the Nye County Commission and staff who are collaborating closely with us to make this first facility a reality.”
The GravityLine facility will use Made In America components as well as local contractors, manufacturers and suppliers to the extent possible. Finalizing local permitting, the year-long construction phase of the project is expected to begin late Q4 2020 on 20 acres at the Gamebird Pit, a working gravel mine in Pahrump, Nevada. ARES has selected Potelco, a Quanta Services company, as the EPC contractor. The facility will create approximately 30 direct jobs during construction.
“I’m pleased a portion of the mine our family has owned and operated since the late 80s can be reclaimed through a process that benefits the future of energy,” said Jim Wulfenstein. “Helping launch a new economic base for Pahrump and the surrounding community while mitigating a global problem, we look forward to working closely with ARES to develop this facility.”
ARES’ GravityLine’s highly efficient electric motors drive mass cars uphill, converting electric power to mechanical potential energy. When needed, mass cars are deployed downhill delivering electric power to the grid quickly and efficiently. This project will employ a fleet of 210 mass cars, weighing a combined 75,000 tons, operating on a closed set of 10 multi-rail tracks. While GravityLine is well-suited for long-duration storage at utility-scale, the application at Gamebird Pit will be as a regulatory resource providing ancillary services for the California Independent System Operator (CAISO).
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ABOUT ARES. Founded in 2010, Advanced Rail Energy Storage (ARES) has developed, tested and patented rail-based, gravity-powered energy storage technologies that are more environmentally responsible, durable, and cost-effective than other utility-scale storage alternatives. ARES GravityLineTM uses proven rail technology to harness the power of gravity, providing a utility-scale energy storage solution. Learn more at www.aresnorthamerica.com.