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Delivering adaptability and engineering expertise to a 194 MW utility-scale solar project in Washington

The EPC project owners behind a 194 MW plant in Washington were eager to begin planning the complex details for what would become a sustainable gamechanger for the State of Washington and its community in 2020. The 1,800-acre solar energy project would become one of the largest solar projects in Washington. AlsoEnergy, a Stem company, played a pivotal role in providing custom-built solutions and expert services in the successful completion of this groundbreaking solar project. The solar site consists of 444,024 solar panels and 53 inverters, connected 1-1 with an MV transformer with energy generated through a system of 34.5 kV underground and overhead lines to a collector substation where voltage steps up to 230 kV.

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Challenge

The project owners knew they needed a sophisticated power plant controller with an extensive control library for obtaining the needed grid power control requirements. The solution also needed to integrate the unique elements of the project, including owner requirements and site capabilities, to ensure the project would operate as soon as possible. What the team didn’t know was that they would have to navigate multiple challenges, including the 2020 global pandemic, to achieve success.

Solution

AlsoEnergy's comprehensive solution involved custom-built power plant controllers with multi-mode PPCs and RTAC-based data acquisition. A custom-built weather station was also integrated to meet the project's unique needs. AlsoEnergy's in-depth understanding of owner requirements and the project's complexities was the key to success. The team provided voltage droop control, real power curtailment, and a single interface for efficient communication with over 350 field devices.

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Results

The project's success was attributed to AlsoEnergy's adaptability, strong industry relationships, and engineering expertise. Navigating semiconductor chip shortages, ALsoEnergy ensured timely hardware delivery and seamlessly integrated with the owners’ SCADA interface, supporting the project's schedule and requirements. AlsoEnergy's control library, including Dynamic Limiting and capacitor bank controls, enhanced long-term efficiency and ROI. This phased commissioning approach allowed sections of the project to go online and be profitable before completion, mitigating the pandemic's impact. The project was completed in January 2023, and a 162-MW project with the same client is underway.

“As a large EPC, we look for vendors that can provide high efficiency with efficient cost. During the selection process, AlsoEnergy rose to the top by understanding the intricate requirements and scopes of work needed for this complex site.”

EPC Senior Project Manager

“At our PV site, AlsoEnergy’s professional and engineering expertise enabled the coordination of two interfaces, ensuring all devices were communicating with each other. Confirming all the data was flowing correctly was extremely important and valuable, especially with the size of the site.”

EPC Senior Project Manager

“This was an important project to many stakeholders and it took a great team to face the engineering, procurement, and labor challenges the COVID-19 pandemic caused. The team was dedicated to ensuring the project continued in construction and ultimately be successful.”

EPC General Manager, Business Development

Gustavo Monteiro

Chief Executive Officer, EDPR NA DG

“This solar + storage project is a prime example of how MEC - and cooperatives in general - have the power to provide equitable access to clean energy for its members and communities all while providing the framework for a more resilient grid. EDPR NA DG’s collaboration with Stem assured the energy storage system would be optimally configured to supply an end-to-end solution to MEC in our first project together.”

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