ComEd and Richardson Electronics, Ltd. (NASDAQ: RELL) today joined state and industry leaders to announce Richardson Electronics’ expanded manufacturing of locally produced battery energy storage systems and plans to install its first onsite battery energy storage system demonstration project.
This initiative is a critical step toward scaling locally made battery energy storage solutions that strengthen grid reliability, support renewable energy integration, and store energy for use during periods of high demand while helping ease supply-related energy costs.
“For generations, manufacturing has been part of northern Illinois’ identity, and Richardson’s announcement demonstrates how that sector continues to shape our region’s economic future,” said ComEd President and CEO Gil Quiniones. “ComEd is committed to supporting business growth by making the grid investments needed to deliver industry-leading reliability at rates that are well below the average commercial and industrial rates for the top 20 largest metropolitan areas.”
Richardson, a legacy manufacturer based in La Fox, is currently building the largest commercial battery storage system in Illinois. Its planned operational expansion will help scale the development and distribution of these products. Richardson is installing a 5-MWh research and development demonstration project, supported through the ComEd interconnection process.
“Richardson Electronics has a long history of solving complex power and energy challenges through innovation and U.S.-based manufacturing,” said Greg Peloquin, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Power & Microwave Technologies and Green Energy Solutions groups. “Our advanced energy storage solutions will help customers manage energy more efficiently while supporting a more reliable and resilient grid. We value ComEd’s collaboration in bringing this onsite demonstration project to life.”
The initiative is also supported by the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois, or REV Illinois, program, which is helping Richardson Electronics strengthen its La Fox operations, advance energy technology manufacturing and support continued economic growth in Illinois.
“As demand for reliable and affordable energy increases, Illinois has an opportunity not only to deploy new technologies, but to manufacture them,” said Illinois Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Christy George. “Richardson Electronics’ expansion demonstrates how Illinois’ manufacturing expertise can drive growth in emerging industries like battery storage while helping strengthen the energy infrastructure that supports our economy.”
Increasing battery energy storage is a key component of Illinois’ recently enacted Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA), which seeks to strengthen grid reliability and help address forecasted energy supply shortfalls. By storing electricity for use during periods of peak demand, battery storage can support a more resilient grid, integrate additional clean energy resources, and help ensure Illinois has the energy capacity needed to power future economic growth.
“Safe, reliable and affordable energy is critical to the success of Illinois’ manufacturing sector and will require new generation, transmission investment and new technologies such as battery storage,” said Mark Denzler, President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “Richardson Electronics and ComEd’s announcement of a next-generation 5 MWh commercial battery storage system is a great example of manufacturing innovation and ingenuity that will help drive growth and economic development in Illinois.”
Battery energy storage systems can charge when electricity is available and discharge when it is needed, helping customers manage energy use and support a more flexible electric system. Depending on how they are configured, batteries can also provide backup capabilities, reduce demand during peak periods, and support the integration of renewable energy resources.
“When Kane County Commissioner Rick Williams and I first met with Richardson to discuss this project, I was immediately intrigued by both the economic and energy benefits the project could bring to the area and the state,” said State Representative Dan Ugaste (65th District). “Energy storage will be an important part of having affordable and reliable energy going forward. Seeing the value this project could bring, I was glad to help facilitate discussions with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to bring this project to fruition.”
ComEd is supporting the project through its customer interconnection process and engineering studies. The company’s work includes helping prepare the site for the demonstration system and guiding Richardson through any potential system upgrade needs. This work will help to safely and reliably connect the demonstration system while maintaining service for surrounding customers. Projects like these are also eligible to apply for ComEd’s Distributed Generation Rebate Program, which recently hit a $350 million milestone. ComEd customers installing qualifying battery storage can receive an upfront rebate of up to $300 per kilowatt-hour of storage capacity. For example, a typical 13.5-kWh home battery could qualify for a rebate of about $4,050.
“Richardson Electronics’ continued investment in La Fox is a great example of how Illinois businesses can lead the way in developing innovative energy solutions while creating good-paying jobs right here in our communities,” said State Representative Jeff Keicher (70th House District). “As Illinois works to strengthen the reliability and affordability of our electric grid, projects like this will play an important role in ensuring we meet our future needs, while strengthening our state’s position as an advanced manufacturing leader.”
Throughout its 80-year history, Richardson Electronics has evolved from a traditional tube or electron device manufacturer into a leader in advanced energy technologies, with a growing focus on energy storage and clean energy applications. Richardson Electronics is the largest supplier of pitch energy modules for wind turbines in North America. Through strategic partnerships with companies such as Gotion Illinois, Richardson Electronics offers advanced BESS platforms in several sizes, including 211-kWh, 422-kWh, and 760-kWh systems for commercial use, as well as a 5-MWh system for large-scale utility deployments.
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ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ: EXC), a Fortune 200 energy company, serving almost 11 million electricity and natural gas customers – the largest number of customers in the U.S. ComEd powers the lives of more than 4.2 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state’s population. For more information visit ComEd.com, and connect with the company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.
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