Arizona public power utility Salt River Project and California public power utility SMUD have earned 2024 “Power Player” Awards from the Smart Electric Power Alliance.
SRP and partner CMBlu Energy won in the Energy Storage Power Player category.
SRP partnered with CMBlu Energy to launch the Desert Blume long-duration energy storage pilot at its Copper Crossing site in Florence, Arizona.
CMBlu’s non-flammable, recyclable SolidFlowTM battery technology aims to surpass traditional lithium-ion batteries in efficiency, life span, and recyclability. It is set to become the world’s largest utility-scale, long-term installation of its kind, expected to power approximately 1,125 homes for 10 hours upon its operational start in December 2025.
Both Salt River Project and CMBlu are being honored with an award for their innovative contributions to long-duration energy storage.
Learn more about the Desert Blume Long Duration Energy Storage Pilot
SMUD
SMUD’s Community Impact Plan project team earned the Energy Equity Power Player Award.
SMUD aims to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2030, the most ambitious target among large U.S. utilities.
SMUD focuses on inclusivity and equity through the Sustainable Communities Resource Priorities Map and the Community Impact Plan.
SEPA said these resources address energy inequities and aim to benefit all communities in Sacramento by improving health, creating jobs, and fostering resilience to climate change.
“Additionally, SMUD is working to develop a diverse, inclusive future workforce in clean energy and related fields,” SEPA said.
Finalists in this category were Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), as well as Texas public power utility CPS Energy.
Additional details on the SEPA Power Player Awards are available on its website.
