Chicago currently has a total battery storage capacity of 83 megawatts, according to the Chicago Department of Transportation. This is enough to power approximately 20,000 homes for four hours. The city has been taking steps to increase its battery storage capacity in recent years, as part of its efforts to become more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable.
One of the most notable battery storage projects in Chicago is the Bronzeville microgrid, which is a 10-megawatt solar and battery storage project located on the city’s South Side. This project, which was completed in 2018, includes a 7-megawatt-hour lithium-ion battery system that stores energy generated by the solar panels during the day and provides power during periods of high electricity demand or outages. The Bronzeville microgrid not only provides backup power to nearby critical facilities, but also helps to reduce strain on the local electricity grid during peak times.
In addition to the Bronzeville microgrid, Chicago is also exploring other opportunities to expand its battery storage capacity. This includes potential partnerships with private sector companies to develop and deploy grid-scale battery storage systems, as well as the integration of battery storage into new and existing buildings as part of the city’s green building initiatives.
Furthermore, the Chicago Department of Transportation has been working to incentivize the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the city, which in turn will drive the demand for more battery storage infrastructure. As more EV charging stations are installed throughout Chicago, the need for grid-connected and off-grid battery storage systems will increase to accommodate the energy demand of these vehicles.
Overall, Chicago has made significant progress in expanding its battery storage capacity in recent years, and there are ongoing efforts to further increase this capacity in the future. By investing in battery storage technology, the city is not only improving its energy resilience and reliability, but also contributing to its overall sustainability goals.
