| Alaskan Utility Initiates Study for Large Scale
VRB Energy Storage System
RICHMOND, BC, Sept. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/
VRB Power Systems Inc. (TSX-V: VRB) announces it is conducting an
engineering design study for Kotzebue Electric Association ("KEA"), a member
owned utility in Kotzebue located in northern Alaska for the potential sale
of a large scale VRB Energy Storage Systems(TM) (VRB-ESS) sized at 300kW x 3
hours (with the option to be scaled to 600kW x 3 hours).
The study is expected to be completed in November 2008, with results forming
the basis for the final sales confirmation, system designs, project
structure and delivery schedule. The work is spearheaded by the VRB Project
Management and Engineering team with deliverables including drawings,
reports, structural layouts and controls descriptions. The fee received for
performing the study was USD$95,000.
"The study will help us identify the appropriate size VRB-ESS for Kotzebue's
wind/diesel hybrid generation system, that currently uses 17 wind turbines
to augment its existing 11.5MW of diesel generators, says Brian Beck, VP of
Business Development at VRB Power Systems. "The VRB will be used to improve
system stability and efficiency of generators; as well as allow for the
deployment of additional wind turbines and reduce fuel usage and related
green house gas emissions."
About Kotzebue Electric Association
Kotzebue Electric Association (KEA) is a non-profit cooperative that
provides power for Kotzebue Alaska. The city of Kotzebue is located 67 deg.
North latitude, 162 deg. West longitude at the tip of the Baldwin Peninsula
on Kotzebue Sound in North-western Alaska. Climatic conditions at Kotzebue
are characterized by long cold winters and cool summers. Kotzebue is a
community of over 3000 people and is the service hub for 11 communities in
northwest Alaska. KEA has a peak electrical load of approximately 4
megawatts. In addition to operating the local utility, KEA manages the City
of Buckland Utility.
VRB Power Systems Inc.
Headquartered in Richmond, Canada, VRB Power Systems Inc. is an energy
storage technology developer which is marketing, selling and manufacturing
products utilizing the patented VRB Energy Storage System ("VRB-ESS(TM)").
The VRB-ESS can economically store and supply large amounts of electricity
on demand and is focused on stationary applications. It is a long life, cost
effective, low maintenance, efficient technology that allows for the
scalability of power and storage capacity independently. The VRB-ESS is
particularly beneficial to renewable energy providers, utilities and end
users through its ability to "inventory" electricity, allowing for the
optimal match of supply and demand.
The VRB-ESS is well suited for a variety of applications. Enabling the
provision of "firm" capacity from intermittent renewable generation such as
wind and solar; more cost effective and efficient generation of electricity
in remote areas; capital deferral for utilities; and load levelling (peak
shaving) applications. The VRB-ESS is also capable of providing backup power
solutions including applications for utility sub-stations and
telecommunication sites. The VRB-ESS is characterized by having the lowest
ecological impact of all energy storage technologies and is unlike most
other conventional energy storage systems that rely on substances such as
lead or cadmium.
Caution regarding forward-looking statements: VRB Power's press releases may
contain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on
management's current expectations and beliefs which are subject to a number
of known and unknown risks and uncertainties (including, but not limited to,
the risk factors described in VRB Power's Annual Information Form filed with
the British Columbia Securities Commission and available at http://www.sedar.com/)
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or
implied in our forward-looking statements. The Company does not assume any
obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press
release.
The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release. Vince Sorace President
VRB Power Systems Inc.
CONTACT: VRB Power Systems Inc. at (604) 247-3300; Investor Relations
at(604) 247-5001; Or visit the company's web site at:
http://www.vrbpower.com/ |