Battery Project – Innovative Partnership Between ComEd and Local Brewery Paves the Way for Sustainable Power Solutions
In an exciting development for clean energy enthusiasts, ComEd has unveiled a groundbreaking battery storage system in Rockford, Illinois. This innovative project, backed by $6.5 million in funding (including support from the U.S. Department of Energy), isn’t just another energy initiative – it’s a glimpse into the future of sustainable power distribution.
What makes this project unique? Picture this: A local craft brewery, Prairie Street Brewing Company, is helping pioneer the future of energy storage. Their existing solar panels are now part of a sophisticated experiment that could revolutionize how we store and use renewable energy. The secret ingredient? A state-of-the-art battery system located just half a mile away, ready to capture and distribute solar power when it’s needed most.
Gil C. Quiniones, ComEd’s President and CEO, shares the vision: “We’re not just building infrastructure – we’re crafting the blueprint for northern Illinois’s clean energy future. This pilot project is our laboratory for tomorrow’s power grid.”
The numbers tell an impressive story: $3.2 million from the DOE, matched by $3.3 million from ComEd and partners, is being invested in exploring how distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS) can transform our power grid. Think of it as teaching the grid to speak the language of renewable energy more fluently.
The Koch family, owners of Prairie Street Brewing Company, are brewing more than just craft beer – they’re fermenting change. Since installing their solar panels in 2020, they’ve seen firsthand how renewable energy can transform a business. “We’re excited to be part of this energy revolution,” they share. “It’s not just good for our bottom line – it’s great for our community.”
But here’s where it gets really interesting: this isn’t just about storing solar power. The project is testing “renewable smoothing techniques” – think of it as creating a steady stream of power, even when the sun plays hide and seek. This innovation could be the key to making solar power as reliable as traditional energy sources.
“This is about more than just technology,” explains Illinois Commerce Commission Chairman Doug Scott. “It’s about creating jobs, meeting our clean energy goals, and maximizing every ray of sunshine we capture.”
The timing couldn’t be better. With battery commissioning happening this December and testing running through January 2025, Rockford is becoming a living laboratory for clean energy innovation. Mayor Thomas P. McNamara puts it perfectly: “We’re not just hosting a project – we’re incubating the future of energy in our community.”
The impact is already visible: ComEd has connected over 57,780 residential rooftop solar systems, 1,582 commercial systems, and 150 community solar projects across Illinois. This new battery storage capability isn’t just an add-on – it’s the missing piece that could help these solar installations reach their full potential.
This project is part of a larger transformation in Rockford, which has emerged as a clean energy hub. With additional investments including a $50 million DOE grant and various STEM training programs, the city is positioning itself at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution.
ComEd, a Fortune 200 Exelon Corporation unit, powers over 4 million customers across northern Illinois. Connect with ComEd on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.
