Demonstrating a Long-duration Flywheel Energy Storage System
Indian Energy LLC
Recipient
Anaheim, CA
Recipient Location
37th
Senate District
68th
Assembly District
$820,121
Amount Spent
Active
Project Status
Project Update
The first containerized flywheel system arrived at the vendor’s test facility in mid-2024, where it successfully completed rotor overspeed tests followed by an initial UL Field Certification. A subsequent flywheel system underwent evaluation at the Rapid Integration and Commercialization Unit (RICU) at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, with testing completed in Q3 2025.
The next phase will include installing a flywheel system at the Viejas project site where it will undergo live-environment operations and demonstration testing, including third-party analysis by the Electric Power Research Institute to validate its performance and validate all technical requirements. The testing is anticipated to begin in Q3 2026.
The Issue
Long-duration energy storage is essential for the state to improve resiliency in the supply of power, particularly to address curtailment or respond to an unplanned grid outage or planned Public Safety Power Shutoffs. California Native American Tribes are often located in remote areas prone to outages, where storage could provide critical benefits such as increased resilience and cost savings. This project will demonstrate a kinetic energy storage device capable of providing at least 10 hours of energy storage at a minimum rating of 50 kilowatts. A key research objective of this project is to better understand the value of longer-duration, non-lithium energy storage. The project will assess whether the technology can perform reliably and safely, deliver long-duration performance equal to or better than li-ion and other competitive technologies, and demonstrate a clear path towards economic viability relative lower-costs energy storage options currently on the market.
Project Innovation
Project Goals
Project Benefits
Primary benefit of the project will be #1) understanding the value and impact of long-duration flywheels in rural or remote locations, #2) understanding the value of long-duration flywheels integrated into a renewable energy microgrid.
Reliability
This agreement will enhance reliability and resiliency for California Native American Tribes and their communities during power interruptions caused by extreme weather, grid failures, or Public Safety Power Shutoffs by demonstrating the use of above ground containerized flywheels for long-duration energy storage integrated into a behind-the-meter microgrid.
Safety
This agreement will demonstrate that above-ground containerized flywheel systems can be operated safely. The units will be tested by UL and receive Field Certification before placement at tribal lands.
Key Project Members
Henry Boulley
Allen G Cadreau
Jessica Cadreau
Allen J cadreau
Subrecipients
M Barc Construction dba M Bar Electric
Nova Services
Vanderweil Engineers
Match Partners
Indian Energy LLC
