Technical Brief: Rocky Mountain Power and Torus Sign MOU to Deploy Advanced Grid-Scale Energy Storage Program

Following the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Rocky Mountain Power, Torus today released additional technical details about the integration of Torus's commercial energy storage technology into Rocky Mountain Power's industry-leading Wattsmart Battery program. The proposed 70-megawatt demand response initiative, which could power approximately 20,000 homes, will leverage Torus's Nova Spin and Nova Pulse technologies to enhance grid reliability.

The partnership will support Utah's Operation Gigawatt initiative to double Utah's power production over the next 10 years and expand Torus’ demand response capabilities, deploying technology that provides:

• Sub-250 millisecond response time with 99% system uptime
• Real-time frequency regulation maintaining 60 Hz stability
• Voltage support for both 208V and 480V three-phase power
• Nova Spin has a C-rating 10x higher than traditional chemical batteries
• The project is expected to be completed within 12-18 months
• Up to twice the operational lifespan of conventional battery systems

Enhancing and expanding the Rocky Mountain Power system is the key to meeting Utah’s energy future. Collaborating with innovative leaders in technology and energy, like Torus, is essential to meet the goals of Operation Gigawatt.

– Dick Garlish, President of Rocky Mountain Power

Rocky Mountain Power is featured in the Department of Energy's latest VPP Liftoff Report, which highlights the Wattsmart program as a best-in-class battery virtual power plant, providing both bulk system level value and distribution system value for grid and customers.

"This technical implementation demonstrates how our relationship with Rocky Mountain Power will deliver both grid resilience and energy security," said Nate Walkingshaw, CEO of Torus. "As highlighted in the DOE VPP Liftoff Report, demand response programs are crucial for managing grid challenges while reducing costs."

"Enhancing and expanding the Rocky Mountain Power system is the key to meeting Utah’s energy future,” said Dick Garlish, president of Rocky Mountain Power. “Collaborating with innovative leaders in technology and energy, like Torus, is essential to meet the goals of Operation Gigawatt.”

The Torus capabilities will help create a virtual power plant that can support Utah's ambitious economic growth plans while contributing to the DOE's goal of deploying 80-160 GW of VPPs nationwide by 2030.

This technical implementation demonstrates how our relationship with Rocky Mountain Power will deliver both grid resilience and energy security. Demand response programs are crucial for managing grid challenges while reducing costs.

– Nate Walkingshaw, CEO Torus

Data Center and Industrial Support 

For Utah's expanding base of data centers and industrial facilities, the Torus technology will provide:

• Power quality management through Nova Sync frequency conditioning
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) functionality with sub-250ms failover
• Long duration backup through hybrid flywheel-chemical storage systems
• On-site generation integration with automated dispatching
• Real-time performance monitoring across millions of data points
• Predictive maintenance through AI-driven systems analysis

Grid Security and Management 

The implementation includes comprehensive security features essential for critical infrastructure:

• Nova Shield hardware security for critical commands
• 24/7 cybersecurity monitoring and threat detection
• Secure firmware developed and maintained in U.S. facilities
• Integration with existing utility management systems via secure APIs
• SCADA integration using APIs for seamless control

American Manufacturing and Engineering Excellence

Torus's energy storage systems are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the United States. The company's manufacturing capabilities include:

• Over 50,000 square feet of manufacturing space supporting end-to-end Nova Spin production and Nova Pulse assembly
• An engineering team with decades of combined experience in grid and commercial-level energy systems, power electronics, and advanced manufacturing
• Complete control over supply chain and production processes

The combination of domestic manufacturing excellence, advanced grid security features, and proven virtual power plant capabilities positions Torus as a leader in grid-scale energy storage. As Utah continues its ambitious economic growth through Operation Gigawatt, Torus is demonstrating how American innovation can deliver both energy independence and grid resilience for communities nationwide.

Torus builds smart, secure mini power plants. With full-stack solutions for energy storage, management, security, and generation, Torus projects are customized to meet the unique needs of utility companies, commercial and industrial buildings, data centers, and defense facilities. Based in South Salt Lake, Utah, Torus is transforming how communities generate, store, and share energy. The innovative Torus Nova Spin flywheel energy storage system was recently recognized in TIME's Best Inventions of 2024 list. For more information visit torus.co. 

Torus: press@torus.co