Saft Lithium-Ion Batteries Selected by Green Charge Networks to Support NYC Smart Grid Demonstration Program

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Saft, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of high-tech industrial batteries, was selected by Green Charge Networks (GCN) to support its role in a $92 million Smart Grid Demonstration Project. The project is being led by New York’s Consolidated Edison, Inc. (Con Edison) — one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies. Green Charge Networks (GCN) is a leader in smart grid, and energy storage and management technology, with a particular expertise in electric vehicle charging.

“We are honored to work with GCN and play a role in this forward-thinking program”

Con Edison initiated the multi-year demonstration project in 2010 after receiving a Department of Energy award to identify, develop and test new technologies within the electric delivery system that will help build a smarter, more efficient grid, including the integration of smart grid architecture and measuring the effects of widespread electric vehicle adoption on the electric grid.

GCN’s scope of work includes the installation and operation of a network of Smart Storage and Generation Units (SSGUs) in the distribution grid that communicate directly with Con Edison. Site selections include several convenience stores as well as other channels of business including car rental locations, hotels and parking garages all in the New York City area. Saft will be supplying energy storage systems totaling close to one megawatt-hour, utilizing the Synerion 24M high-energy lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Installation is slated to begin in March of this year.

“We are honored to work with GCN and play a role in this forward-thinking program,” said Blake Frye, Vice President of Sales, Energy Storage for Saft North America. “Smart grid technology is critically important in the modernization of electricity delivery, and this partnership enables Saft to provide cutting-edge solutions to a major program in New York City.”

Ron Prosser, Chairman and CEO of GCN, added, “In projects of this magnitude, having the right partners is crucial. We are looking forward to working with Saft on the creation of the smart storage and generation unit network and continue our important work on the New York electric grid.”

A smart grid essentially integrates information and communication technologies into electricity generation, delivery and consumption. In turn, this process makes systems cleaner, safer, more reliable and more efficient. Ultimately, smart grid technologies will allow consumers to use energy more efficiently, support alternative energy sources, enable widespread adoption of electric vehicles, as well as enhance reliability across various platforms, including medical facilities, transportation systems, financial institutions and media centers.

About Saft

Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world leader in the design and manufacture of advanced technology batteries for industry. The Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of nickel batteries and primary lithium batteries for the industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, civil and military electronics markets. Saft is the world leader in space and defence batteries with its Li-ion technologies which are also being deployed in the energy storage, transportation and telecommunication markets. Saft’s 4,000 employees present in 19 countries, its 16 manufacturing sites and extensive sales network all contribute to accelerating the Group’s growth for the future. For more information, visit Saft at www.saftbatteries.com.

About Green Charge Networks

Green Charge Networks (GCN), a leader in smart grid and energy storage technology, develops and operates intelligent systems to accommodate local demand for electricity under existing generation and storage capacity restraints. Working with utility companies as well as public and private sector organizations, GCN is equipping the nation with advanced technologies to reduce energy spending and achieve increased efficiency. Our technology uses existing grid infrastructure and enables value-adds such as electric vehicle (EV) charging. GCN is based in Brooklyn, N.Y., with offices in San Francisco and Huntington Beach, Calif. Learn more at GreenChargeNet.com.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50171591&lang=en