Ford Using Li-ion Batteries to Power Essex Engine Plant

The batteries, which are similar to the tech used in its electric vehicles, offsets the power supply during peak hours

Ford Motor Co.’s Essex Engine Plant in Windsor, Ont. (Image Source: Ford Motor Co.)

Ford Motor Co.’s Essex Engine Plant in Windsor, Ont. (Image Source: Ford Motor Co.)

Ford Motor Co. Is using the same lithium-ion battery technology that propels its electric vehicles to power a portion of its Essex Engine Plant in Windsor, Ont. 

The 4 MW/8MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), provided by New York-based energy storage systems manufacturer Convergent Energy and Power, is during peak power consumption periods to offset peak energy costs at the plant. 

Industrial electricity costs in the Canadian province of Ontario are generally the highest in the country. Because energy is often most expensive—and most carbon-intensive—during periods of peak demand, businesses are incentivized to reduce their energy usage during these times. At the Essex Engine Plant, Convergent’s AI-powered energy storage system strategically reduces the facility’s electricity consumption, reducing its costs and carbon footprint.  

“The battery storage system provided by Convergent Energy and Power is a strong example of how batteries can support the auto industry at the plant level while also supporting the electric grid serving Ford and the surrounding community,” said Thomas Reeber, Plant Manager at the Ford Essex Plant. 

The Essex Engine Plant employs about 930 workers producing Ford’s 5.0-Liter V8 engine found in the Mustang GT sports car and the popular F-150 pick-up truck. Convergent finances, owns, and operates the battery energy storage systems to reduce Global Adjustment charges by “peak shaving,” or using the battery when electricity is most expensive. The savings are shared between Convergent and its customers.  

Convergent also operates similar systems two facilities owned by Shell New Energies in Sarnia, Ont. and Brockville, Ont. The systems reduce the consumption of energy for the facilities by up to one third of typical demand.  

 “We’ve proven that our battery energy storage systems can lower commercial and industrial facilities’ utility bills,” said Johannes Rittershausen, CEO of Convergent Energy and Power. “Convergent has over a decade of expertise developing and operating energy storage solutions that are a win for our customers and the clean energy transition.” 

Written by

Michael Ouellette

Michael Ouellette is a senior editor at engineering.com covering digital transformation, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and automation.