Great River Energy and Form Energy break ground on first-of-its-kind multi-day energy storage project

Great River Energy, a Minnesota-based electric cooperative, and Form Energy have initiated construction on the Cambridge Energy Storage Project in Cambridge, Minnesota. The pilot project, developed with engineering partner Mortenson, will test a 1.5 MW / 150 MWh energy storage system designed to operate for up to 100 hours, far exceeding the capacity of conventional lithium-ion batteries. The initiative aims to address grid stability challenges by storing excess energy during high production periods and releasing it during peak demand or low renewable output. The project is expected to become operational by late 2025, with a multi-year evaluation period to assess its performance and potential expansion.

Form Energy’s iron-air battery technology uses iron, an abundant and low-cost material, to enable long-duration energy storage. The system is intended to provide reliable power during emergencies or when other resources are unavailable, supporting grid resilience. Manufacturing of the battery systems will occur at Form Energy’s facility in Weirton, West Virginia, with deployment planned for the Cambridge site in the coming year. The pilot represents the first commercial deployment of this technology, marking a significant step in energy storage innovation.

Great River Energy serves approximately 1.7 million people across two-thirds of Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin through its member-owned cooperatives. The cooperative has partnered with Form Energy to explore multi-day storage solutions, addressing a critical need in the energy sector. Cole Funseth, Great River Energy’s Manager of Generation Engineering, highlighted the project’s potential to advance long-duration storage and future expansion opportunities. The pilot will provide insights into integrating renewable energy sources while maintaining grid reliability.

The Cambridge Energy Storage Project is part of a broader effort to enhance grid flexibility and reduce reliance on fossil fuel-based backup power. By storing energy for extended periods, the system could help utilities manage intermittent renewable generation and reduce costs during peak demand. RJ Johnson, Form Energy’s SVP of Commercial Operations, emphasized the importance of the partnership and the milestone of deploying the technology commercially. The project’s success could influence future energy storage deployments across the industry.