RE: California batteryToday 07:48
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32 MWh Sale to U.S. Steel Mill
California Energy Commission-backed project will produce sustainable steel for U.S. construction industry
Invinity Energy Systems plc (AIM: IES), a leading global manufacturer of utility-grade energy storage, is pleased to announce the sale of a 32 MWh battery system to Pacific Steel Group ("PSG"), a leading reinforcing steel fabricator in the United States, for installation at their Mojave Micro Mill project (the "Mill") in Kern County, California, the first new steel mill to be built in the state in 50 years. The battery is being supported with grant funding from the California Energy Commission's LDES Program that was awarded to PSG in 2025 and, once delivered, is expected to be the largest vanadium flow battery system in North America
Collocated with a 40 MWp PV array, Invinity's battery will be used to supply on-demand, low-carbon, locally generated solar power to the Mill, which will recycle 500,000 tons of scrap metal annually to produce sustainable, seismic-grade steel rebar for the U.S. construction industry.
Invinity's vanadium flow batteries were selected for this project due to their technical, operational and safety characteristics, particularly their ability to cycle heavily to match the energy-intensive power requirements of the Mill. As part of the competitive selection process, Invinity was also able to evidence a strong project delivery track record both globally and in the USA, including a number of other California Energy Commission-funded battery projects delivered in recent years.
Project construction commenced in June 2025 and the Mill is expected to enter operation in H2 2027. Delivery of the batteries, which Invinity plans to manufacture in the USA, is expected to commence in Q1 2027, with associated revenues recognised at that point.
Pacific Steel Group is a leading independent reinforcing steel fabricator and placer with offices throughout the Western United States, with corporate offices located in San Diego, California.
Jonah Steinbuck, Director of the Energy Research & Development Division, California Energy Commission said:
"The California Energy Commission is proud to support this milestone in clean energy innovation - one that advances California's decarbonization goals while strengthening a vital domestic industry. The long-duration capabilities and versatility of Invinity's vanadium flow battery will support the operational efficiency and resilience of the steel plant, and optimize the plant's use of clean, renewable energy."
Mark Olson, VP of Mill Operations, Pacific Steel Group said:
"Pacific Steel Group is currently constructing the first steel mill to be built in California in more than 50 years. From the outset, our vision has been to develop one of the world's cleanest and most sustainable steel manufacturing