Sichuan's First Integrated Storage-Computing ESS Power Station Kicks Off Construction

U.S. Strategic Metals (USSM) and Virtus Minerals signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The two parties reached a strategic cooperation in critical minerals between North America and Africa. Under the agreement, cobalt, copper and other products produced at Virtus’ Chemaf project will be supplied directly to the United States, with priority given to processing at USSM’s multi-metallic hydrometallurgical plant in Fredericktown, Missouri. The facility is capable of processing critical minerals including cobalt, nickel, copper, lithium and rare earth elements. The partnership will strengthen America’s independent supply chain and reduce reliance on other adversary-controlled sources.

On April 11, the 200MW/800MWh energy storage project in Bole City, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region officially commenced construction. As the first energy storage project to formally break ground in the area, the project involves a total investment of 856 million yuan, covers approximately 80 mu of land, and has a construction period of 180 days. The main construction scope includes a new 110kV step-up substation, with electricity being stepped up and fed into the Zaojiaoshu 220kV step-up collection station for grid connection. With a construction capacity of 200MW/800MWh, the project adopts a combined grid-forming and grid-following technical scheme, and employs advanced technologies such as SST direct-connected technology, offering advantages including reliable design, rapid response, and strong regulation capability.