On Tuesday January 28th, the County Board of Supervisors approved a Letter of Support to SPIN Storage Systems (SPIN) in hopes to help develop non-lithium ion energy storage technologies. Nevada County has a strong interest to improve the reliability of electric service to enhance public safety. Our critical infrastructure depends on electricity which could be jeopardized in extreme weather events and result in consequences such as Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Events.
In an effort to improve the power options available to the Citizens of Nevada County, staff has reached out to SPIN whom is working towards a non-lithium ion energy storage solution that is both compact and affordable. SPIN has developed a prototype named the "Revolution" which has the ability to store kinetic energy. This unique partnership allows the County to consult on an as needed basis to develop requirements for SPIN’s product features. If a proof of concept is successful, Nevada County could be a testing ground via a pilot deployment of SPIN’s kinetic energy storage solution. Later, a pilot program could be used to power community shelters and small end government service facilities during PSPS events.
These actions will help pave a long-term path forward by facilitating community resiliency to PSPS events by protecting lives, supporting at-risk populations, maintaining critical public safety and telecommunications infrastructure, as well as insulating small businesses from the impacts of extended power outages.
