Envision completes testing of world’s largest grid-forming energy storage platform

Envision Energy Storage has announced that its grid-forming (GFM) energy storage demonstration platform in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, successfully passed full-scenario testing conducted by the China Electric Power Research Institute. The platform, featuring the world’s largest single-unit grid-forming energy storage system with a capacity of 5.5 MW/14 MWh, is the first globally to receive certification under this rigorous standard.

The testing included eight major scenarios and evaluated nearly 1,000 performance metrics. The trials validated the platform’s capabilities in voltage and frequency support in weak grids, black start functionality, off-grid operation, seamless GFL(Grid-Following)/GFM transitions, continuous high/low voltage fault ride-through, inertia support, damping control, and suppression of wide-frequency oscillations.

While most GFM solutions in the industry are limited to component or single-unit performance in specific scenarios, Envision says that it takes a comprehensive approach by offering a “1+4” full-stack GFM solution tailored to new power system requirements.

“1” represents a system simulation design platform, capable of simulating electrical and mechanical behavior across time scales. This platform optimizes equipment features and develops bespoke GFM products for diverse power system applications.

“4” includes four levels of GFM solutions: components, single units, stations, and full systems.

The success of the Ordos testing marks a breakthrough across all four levels, the company said. At the station level, Envision’s virtual synchronous station control system emulates synchronous machine characteristics, providing stable voltage support and enhancing grid stability. At the system level, Envision’s high-penetration renewable energy coordination system enables efficient management of weak grids and off-grid systems, ensuring seamless transitions between grid-connected and off-grid states.

In August, the same demonstration platform passed GFM validation under the UK’s national standards, successfully meeting over 200 performance tests for frequency regulation, voltage control, fault ride-through, and grid adaptability in a single attempt.

Envision Energy Storage is a BloombergNEF Tier 1 storage supplier with 15 GWh of energy storage systems shipped globally and more than 25 GWh of orders in its pipeline.