GE Vernova Unveils RESTORE DC Block for Battery-Enabled Energy Storage

GE Vernova launched an advanced containerized solution for battery-enable energy storage (BESS)—the RESTORE DC Block—offering enhanced safety, efficiency, flexibility, and long-term performance. The solution has a 5 MWh capacity and duration range of 2 – 8 hours, supporting multiple grid use-cases for utility-scale renewable and energy storage projects.

RESTORE DC Block is a component of GE Vernova’s FLEXRESERVOIR solution: an integrated system combining battery storage, power electronics, and advanced controls to support renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind. It stores surplus energy during high-generation periods and releases it during peak demands, ensuring reliable and efficient grid operation.

“Our new RESTORE DC Block is engineered not only to meet the stringent technical requirements of modern grids, but also to prioritize safety, quality, delivery, and cost,” said Ed Torres, Business Leader, GE Vernova’s Solar & Storage Solutions business. “This solution demonstrates our ongoing commitment to driving the energy transition by offering flexible, high-performance storage solutions that enhance renewable energy integration while driving down the Levelized Cost of Storage.”

RESTORE DC Block; Image Credits: GE Vernova

Additional features of the RESTORE DC Block include:

Safety: The RESTORE DC Block is equipped with fire protection systems and offers defense against cyber threats, mitigating potential hazards to ensure secure, reliable operation across environments.

Digital Technology: Integrated thermal management and high-speed edge analytics provides monitoring of system charge, health, and safety. The system also has zero-touch commissioning for quick deployment.

Performance and Longevity: It is powered by liquid-cooled lithium iron phosphate cells and delivers 93%+ round-trip efficiency. It can execute multiple back-to-back cycles and offers consistent performance over a 25-year life span. The RESTORE DC Block operates in a -30°C - 50°C temperature range across numerous climates and geographies.

Installation and Augmentation: The system is designed with versatility, supporting back-to-back and side-to-side configurations to optimize footprint. It also features AC and DC augmentations, enabling customized scalability with a usage-based capacity guarantee.

GE Vernova Grid News

In late August 2024, GE Vernova and SWI signed a memorandum of understanding to develop advanced substation monitoring solutions—the collaboration will integrate technologies such as gas sensing, bushing monitoring, infrared thermography, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The partnership’s goal is to improve grid asset management by combining SWI’s infrared thermography and touchless monitoring systems with GE Vernova’s Grid Automation solutions.

Initially, SWI will integrate its fixed infrared sensors into GE Vernova’s DGA 900 Plus—a gas transformer monitoring system that detects early signs of issues to prevent transformer failures. This solution, to be commercially available in early 2025, will allow asset managers to combine infrared thermography with the DGA 900 Plus platform, which already includes dissolved gas analysis, bushing monitoring, and predictive monitoring capabilities. GE Vernova and SWI plan to expand collaboration to include the integration of pan/tilt substation-level infrared sensors within the GridBeats Asset Vision substation monitoring solution.

In July, GE Vernova agreed to supply synchronous condensers and high-voltage substations for the Ana Maria and Monte Mina projects in Chile per an order from Transelec Holdings Rentas. GE Vernova’s Hydro Power segment will deliver two synchronous condensers for Ana Maria and two for Monte Mina. The company’s work also includes engineering, electrical and mechanical auxiliaries, control systems, protection systems, assembly at site supervision, and commissioning.