Saft, a world leader in the design and manufacture of high technology batteries, announces that its advanced Li-ion energy storage system (ESS) has been selected to support a new energy storage project on the Big Island of Hawaii.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (October 28, 2011) — Saft, a world leader in the design and manufacture of high technology batteries, announces that its advanced Li-ion energy storage system (ESS) has been selected to support a new energy storage project on the Big Island of Hawaii. Saft will provide an ESS comprised of two Intensium Max 20E containers. The battery will work in conjunction with ABB's PCS 100 Power Conversion System to support the "Hawaii Renewable Energy Storage System" project to increase the grids' ability to integrate more renewable energy.

Using federal stimulus funds, this project aims to accelerate the use of renewable energy to achieve the integration of ever-increasing amounts of renewable energy. Today, Hawai‘i's Big Island is already a leader, with more than one-third of its energy coming from renewable sources. The contract is worth more than $1 million and deliveries are slated to begin in April of 2012.

"This order represents tremendous potential for Saft, as it is our first Hawaii order for a containerized ESS," said Blake Frye, Vice President of Sales, Energy Storage for Saft North America. "Further, the system will be manufactured at our new plant in Jacksonville, Florida. We are excited to showcase Saft's robust technology on such a high-level and important platform."

Saft's Intensium Max 20E containers – partnered with ABB's PCS 100 – create a turn-key solution comprised of a Li-ion battery, power conditioning system, communications interface, as well as installation and commissioning features. Main functions include various grid support services – for example, the reduction of renewable output power volatility and optimization of renewable power performance – as well as responsive charging and discharging, frequency regulation, autonomous operation and electrical output management. The expected operating life is 15 years or more.

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.