What is the benefit of having battery storage on the grid?

Large scale battery storage systems like the Corazon facility benefit the local electrical grid by providing resiliency and flexibility from a non-emitting capacity resource. Moving toward 100% renewable energy will require balancing resources like the Corazon facility that can quickly adapt to evolving grid conditions over time.

How did you choose the project location for Corazon?

The Plus Power team considered a variety of siting criteria, including but not limited to grid compatibility, land use designations, cultural resources, topography, and proximity to critical PNM infrastructure. Corazon’s location met the optimal criteria across all categories. Additionally, the Corazon project will enable PNM to more efficiently harness and store substantial wind energy feeding into the Pajarito substation.

What prompted Plus Power to propose Corazon?

The Corazon facility is ideally situated to provide energy, capacity, and grid services in a region with growing local energy demand and abundant but variable renewable energy resources.  

How long will the batteries last? What will happen to them after that? 

The Corazon facility will have a lifespan of at least 20 years. The original battery systems installed at the site are anticipated to operate for at least 15 years. Corazon will be augmented with supplemental battery storage units in the future. At the end of the project’s operating life, the battery system will be removed and the land will be restored to pre-existing conditions. Because the battery components contain valuable minerals and technology, the system will be used for recycling and salvage value. 

Are there environmental, cultural or archaeological features that could be disturbed on the project site? 

Plus Power is developing the Corazon facility on property that has no known cultural or archaeological features within its footprint.

What considerations are being taken to ensure the safety of the project?   

Safety is paramount to Plus Power and the Corazon facility. Several measures are being taken to ensure reliable and safe operation of the system. The Corazon facility will utilize best-in-class technology, building off decades of global use and application. The battery and system will be held to the National Fire Protection Association 855 national standard and other related grid infrastructure codes and standards. In addition, the system will utilize a variety of thermal management systems, as well as remote monitoring strategies, to maintain system stability. The local fire departments will be fully engaged in design discussions through the process of creating a dedicated Emergency Response Plan for the project, and the Plus Power team will ensure there is significant collaboration and training with first responders to guarantee proper techniques are used in the unlikely event of an emergency.

Will Corazon be able to withstand a natural disaster?   

The facility will be designed per American Society for Testing and Materials standards to ensure foundations and infrastructure are designed in accordance with local requirements.

Will the Corazon facility impact my views?   

The facility is ideally situated in an area already developed with existing public PNM uses, away from residential areas. As such, the impact on local views will be very limited.