Stem, the global provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven energy storage services, is deploying a 2.5-MWh energy storage system in St. Mary’s, Ontario at INOAC Interior Systems. INOAC, a supplier to the automotive industry. The system will save money and help reduce the expensive electricity peaks that impact all electricity consumers in the province.
A battery is only as valuable as the platform that operates it. Stem is the first to use artificial intelligence to learn, predict, and optimize energy in real-time. Athena collects data at a rate of 400 megabytes per minute to continually fine-tune its algorithms. Learn more here.
With Stem, INOAC aims to reduce their Global Adjustment and energy costs automatically—without changing plant operations or making a capital investment.
Based in Japan, INOAC is a diversified manufacturing company established in 1926, with over 100 facilities operating in 20 countries and over 20,000 employees.
“As an environment-friendly manufacturer, INOAC has strong environmental policies that guide our corporate operations. The opportunity to leverage an emissions-free resource while improving cost efficiency were the driving factors in our decision,” said Roger Dawes, President of INOAC Interior Systems Inc. “Stem’s AI-driven platform and execution experience enables an automated way to reduce energy costs with no interference in our operations.”
Each year, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) determines Ontario’s five highest hours of net energy demand for the previous 12 months. Class A eligible customers that participate in the Industrial Conservation Initiative pay Global Adjustment based on their percentage contribution to the top five peak demand hours.
“Unleashing the benefits of energy storage technology is a key focus of Ontario’s 2017 Long-Term Energy Plan and an important part of our continued commitment to improve energy affordability for our province’s job creators,” said Glenn Thibeault, Minister of Energy. “Through our Industrial Conservation Initiative (ICI) program, we’re also providing incentives for large electricity consumers, like INOAC Interior Systems, to reduce their consumption during peak hours and lower their electricity costs. This program is benefiting both families and businesses, and the electricity system as a whole by deferring the longer-term need for investments in new peaking generation.”
Stem’s Global Adjustment offering—specifically designed for Ontario—is ideal for large manufacturing plants and other industrial operations that seek improved control over energy costs and a way to make the electric grid more sustainable. Athena, Stem’s AI platform, enables Ontario businesses to reduce their peak usage which drives their Global Adjustment.
Using predictive analytics and high speed data feeds from the buildings, weather services, and the wholesale market to anticipate peak hours, Athena is able to release stored energy at exactly the right times to help customers. With Stem’s intelligent Ontario offering, customers enter into a simple service agreement to access the power of flexible, fast-acting energy storage to maximize savings and help the grid.
“Manufacturers and industrial companies typically have intense energy needs. With Ontario Teacher’s Pension Plan recently joining the ranks of Stem’s global investors, a growing Ontario-based team, and Athena’s ability to incorporate fast changing market information, Stem has everything needed to help businesses and further Ontario’s clean energy goals,” said John Carrington, CEO of Stem. “We’re excited to partner with INOAC to reduce their energy costs and support their sustainability efforts in Canada.”
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