Hubei's First Substation-Based Energy Storage Project Commissioned in Wuhan, Ensuring Reliable Power Supply During Summer Peak

On July 18, Hubei Province's first grid-forming energy storage system built within a substation was successfully commissioned at the 110 kV Bao'an Substation in Wuhan. During peak electricity demand periods, the system can deliver up to 20,000 kWh per discharge cycle to the main grid, helping to shave peaks and fill valleys. This reduces the load on power equipment and ensures a reliable power supply during high-temperature periods.

The Battery Container at the 110 kV Bao'an Substation

Photo by State Grid Wuhan Power Supply Company

On July 22, at the Bao'an Substation, located at the intersection of Ping'an Road and Ya'an Street in Hongshan District, Wuhan, operations and maintenance (O&M) personnel were checking the temperature of the running energy storage system, assessing its condition since commissioning. According to Wang Xiang, Assistant Director of the Operations and Maintenance Department at State Grid Wuhan Power Supply Company, the system has a total capacity of 10,000 kVA. In a single cycle, it can supply up to 20,000 kWh to the 10 kV grid. “During peak periods, the system handles around 10% of the substation’s main transformer load, effectively relieving regional power pressure and providing strong support for grid stability,” he explained.

The Energy Storage Control Room at the 110 kV Bao'an Substation

Photo by State Grid Wuhan Power Supply Company

This energy storage system functions like an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for the substation, rapidly relieving the main transformer’s load. As of July 22, the project had completed four safe charge-discharge cycles, delivering a cumulative total of 80,000 kWh and playing a key role in maintaining reliable power supply during peak demand periods.