San Diego Zoo Global Selects EDF Renewables North America for Onsite Battery Energy Storage

EDF Renewables North America Distributed Solutions was chosen by San Diego Zoo Global to provide energy storage services in support of the organization’s fiscal and sustainability planning. The storage project will reduce energy costs at the San Diego Zoo facility by utilizing a 1-megawatt (MW)/4-megawatt hour (MWh) battery to mitigate spikes in usage thereby lowering demand charges. The system will also minimize energy costs by recharging the battery when energy is at its lowest available rates, and then later discharging that power to the Zoo when costs are highest.

The San Diego Zoo is able to leverage EDF Renewables’ performance-based contract whereby EDF Renewables is only paid based on the actual utility bill savings realized by the Zoo as a result of the battery operation. Accordingly, the Zoo has no fixed payments and bears no performance risk on the operation of the system. The battery solution also acts as a hedge against rising utility rates.

Adam Ringler, director of performance improvement, stated, “This is a perfect example of how we are identifying and implementing cost-effective energy and green environmental projects as a part of San Diego Zoo Global’s commitment to sustainability. In this case, the savings can be invested into enhancing the Zoo experience, and furthering wildlife conservation and education.”

Andrew Goldstone, director of distributed solutions at EDF Renewables, commented, “We are honored to be partnering with such a well-known and respected organization in the San Diego community. This is a perfect illustration of how we are bringing decades of experience and our financial stability to serve not only utilities and wholesale markets, but also end-users of energy through our Distributed Solutions group.”

EDF Renewables North America employs over 1,000 people, 400 of which are located at its Corporate Office in North County, San Diego. The company’s close ties to the region offers the perfect combination of plentiful renewable resources, high electric rates, and sustainable-minded businesses interested in lowering their energy costs with solar and battery storage microgrids.