Electrical utility Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) and engineering firm Richardson Electronics have partnered for a massive project, zeroing in on the Land of Lincoln.

The corporate duo plans to install the largest commercial battery energy storage system (BESS) asset in the state of Illinois, officials announced Oct. 12. The companies have joined up with state and industrial leaders to announce that Richardson has expanded its local BESS manufacturing plans to install the record-breaking project on ComEd’s grid.

“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,” says 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.”

ComEd calls the project and the manufacturing bump “a critical step toward scaling locally made battery energy storage solutions,” as the U.S. strives for grid reliability. In addition to building the largest commercial BESS system in Illinois, Richardson is installing a 5 MWh research and development demonstration project, which will go 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,” says Greg Peloquin, Richardson’s EVP and general manager of power and microwave technologies, and its green energy solution 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.”

Constructing Illinois’ energy future

Increasing battery storage capabilities is a cornerstone of Illinoisan energy policy in the mid-2020s, ComEd officials say. The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA), one of a flurry of renewable-forward bills signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker, aims to bolster both solar and storage across the Prairie State.

ComEd and Richardson’s collaborative effort is part of bringing CRGA’s vision for Illinois to life, officials say.

“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,” says Illinois State Rep. Dan Ugaste. “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.”

The companies will also support the local community, says Illinois State Rep. Jeff Keicher. Richardson’s continued investment in its La Fox, Illinois manufacturing location serves as an example of “how Illinois businesses can lead the way in developing innovative energy solutions while creating good-paying jobs” at the local level, he says.

“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.”

Battery projects across Illinois are also open to accessing ComEd’s Distributed Generation Rebate Program. With the program recently hitting the $350 million milestone, customers who install qualifying battery storage assets can receive a rebate of up to $300 per kWh of storage capacity.

Tags: BESS, ComEd, commercial, commercial and industrial, project, Richardson Electronics, storage