James Bell and Dr. Crystal Miller,
AESP Keynote Speaker and Head of Policy &
Government Relations at Tribal Clean Energy

At the AESP Flex Connect Conference in Salt Lake City this week, James Bell, President and CEO of Viking Cold Solutions, joined a panel of experts to discuss “Optimizing Refrigeration and Storage for Grid Resilience.” The panel brought together leaders in energy efficiency, demand flexibility, and distributed energy resources to share strategies, lessons learned, and real-world insights that can help both the grid and energy customers.

Panelists explored the opportunities and challenges of implementing demand flexibility in sectors such as cold storage and refrigeration – industries with high, continuous energy needs. Discussion topics included identifying the most impactful, immediately achievable improvements; overcoming customer and industry barriers to adoption; and understanding the role of utility pricing and policy in driving change. Each speaker shared perspectives on customer engagement, technology adoption, and what it will take to make demand flexibility more attractive to industrial markets.

James’ contribution focused on how Thermal Energy Storage (TES) paired with AI optimization can significantly reduce energy use and peak demand while improving operational reliability. He outlined real-world results showing 20%–35% lower energy consumption, up to 95% reductions in peak demand, and electrical cost savings of up to 50%. He also emphasized how AI’s predictive control and anomaly detection can help facilities act as virtual power plants (VPPs), supporting grid flexibility and renewable integration.

Jennifer Szaro, AESP President & CEO

The conversation continued with a robust 30-minute Q&A session with a large and highly engaged audience. Most questions centered on the demand flexibility of refrigeration loads, advanced controls, and the role of thermal energy storage in supporting grid resilience. Attendees were also eager to learn how AI can further enhance the management of refrigeration demand, offering predictive insights and enabling more effective participation in grid programs.

The panel ended with a forward-looking discussion on the future of AI-driven demand flexibility, the potential for applications beyond refrigeration, and the importance of collaboration between technology providers, utilities, and program designers. The consensus: intelligent, flexible solutions are needed for meeting rising energy needs while building a more resilient and sustainable grid.

The informative and impactful three-day 2025 AESP Flex Connect conference closed out on the main stage in Salt Lake City with a keynote address by Dr. Crystal Miller. Dr Miller is the Head of Policy and Government Relations for the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy, and shared important insights into ways to advance clean energy and energy access for Indian Tribes. Her speech and the Q&A that followed was another great example of how AESP brings people together to solve energy problems through collaboration and business cooperation –
a fitting highlight for Demand Flexibility Day 2025!

North American Clean Energy has published an article by Viking Cold’s Director of Marketing, Damon Vance, that discusses how many commercial & industrial (C&I) refrigerated warehouses across the country are contributing to solutions for some of the challenges on the electrical grid. The C&I facilities in the cold chain, when utilizing energy storage and refrigeration optimization solutions like Viking Cold’s, represent a significant opportunity to help reach the goals of utility operators and the Biden Administration’s $36 billion decarbonization plan. By enabling cold chain facilities with added sustainability, resiliency, and flexibility operators of both cold storage and the electrical grid can reduce costs and GHG emissions.

Read the article or contact Viking Cold to learn more about the intense electrical load, aging infrastructure, and rapid growth rate of the refrigerated cold chain and how new technologies like Thermal Energy Storage (TES) are helping them improve refrigeration efficiencies, reduce their carbon footprint, and contribute to the growth of renewable energy sources as we enter the energy transition.

Jeof Vita, the host of the Inbound Logistics Podcast, spoke with Viking Cold President & CEO, James Bell to discuss how Thermal Energy Storage (TES) technology is helping cold chain operators balance their need to be more sustainable and profitable with the amount of refrigeration required to protect their food’s quality (Episode 118).  Utilizing Viking Cold’s refrigeration optimization solutions to address the unique temperature and energy challenges of different cold storage facilities from food producers and 3PL providers to foodservice distributors and retailers is also discussed. Additionally, they cover how the unique energy storage and efficiency capabilities of TES are improving how refrigerated facilities are interacting with the electrical grid for improved sustainability and reduced operating costs.

POWER Magazine’s Associate Editor Darrell Proctor recently published an article focused on the rebuilding of Puerto Rico’s electrical grid after a number of devastating hurricanes including Hurricane Maria in 2017. “The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority has embarked on a $20 billion plan to rebuild the island’s power grid. The initiative includes a commitment to generate 40% of the island’s power from renewable resources by 2025, and 100% by 2050. C&I enterprises using distributed power generation are a large part of the effort.”

The article highlights Viking Cold as one of the leading sustainable Distributed Energy Resources (DER) delivering cost-effective, reliable, and resilient power to the island’s industrial and commercial businesses.

Isla Frio, a cold storage company on the island, is building a new 147,000 square foot facility with Viking Cold’s Thermal Energy Storage (TES) technology to add hurricane-resistant food storage capacity to the island. The second phase of the project will include the addition of onsite solar power generation. The combination of renewables with the existing TES installed during construction will maximize the cost-effectiveness of their solar-plus-storage investment and help Puerto Rico meet its aggressive goals to add resilient renewable generation to the grid.

Viking Cold provided insight into the advantages of its Thermal Energy Storage technology as part of an educational webinar hosted by the Energy Storage Association (ESA).

The session, titled Thermal Energy Storage: Challenges and Opportunities, gave ESA members a chance to learn about the technologies and trends shaping the thermal energy storage sector, forming part of the association’s work to help establish a more resilient, efficient, sustainable, and affordable electrical grid.

Marc Chupka, ESA’s Vice President of Research and Programs, welcomed Collin Coker, Vice President Sales & Marketing, to share an overview of Viking Cold’s Thermal Energy Storage technology and highlight how it fits into this landscape.

Coker explained how TES has a drastically lower levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of two cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), making it far more cost-effective than conventional electrical storage mediums, such as lithium-ion batteries.

He briefed the ESA audience on the phase change materials (PCM) at the heart of Viking Cold technology, describing how it demonstrates significantly higher heat-absorption rates compared with frozen food, while continuously releasing cold energy to provide stable temperatures that protect products held in commercial & industrial (C&I) warehouse environments as well as grocery store and restaurant walk-in freezers.

Coker pointed to the fact that resiliency is built into the Viking Cold TES solution since no power is required and the PCM can hold temperatures three times longer than the thermal mass of food alone, helping defend chilled environments against power outages, natural disasters, and mechanical failures.

With intelligent controls to manage energy release over extended periods and 24/7 visibility of energy, temperature, and operational data, Coker added that Viking Cold brings greater levels of efficiency to cold chain environments while enhancing sustainability efforts. In the case of one customer, net power consumption has declined by 43% over a 13-hour period along with a 29% peak demand reduction, he said.

Coker went on to highlight successful utility-supported programs involving Viking Cold’s TES technology, which includes a multi-customer project involving some of the largest food distribution companies in the world. In total, this initiative accomplished 1.3 megawatts (MW) of energy curtailment over a four hour ICAP period.

He concluded with the findings from a third-party measurement and verification study, showing how one site is using Viking Cold’s TES technology in combination with excess solar power generation during the day to achieve a 95% reduction in overnight energy consumption, effectively taking the site off the grid.

The ESA webinar is available in full, including access to the accompanying slides, via the ESA’s YouTube channel.

For more information on how Viking Cold’s Thermal Energy Storage is bringing greater levels of resiliency, efficiency, sustainability, and affordability to cold chain environments, get in touch with us today.

POWER magazine, a leading source of information for the power generation industry, has published an article highlighting the benefits of Viking Cold’s Thermal Energy Storage (TES) technology in managing power demand for utilities and cold storage customers.

The article, authored by Collin Coker, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Viking Cold, gave an overview of the changing energy landscape, where factors such as the increase in Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and the variability of renewable generation sources are having a bearing on power providers’ ability to manage demand when and where it is needed.

Coker points out that time of use, capacity, transmission, and distribution all impact the total cost of electricity for the end-user. This presents an acute issue for food businesses with commercial and industrial (C&I) refrigerated facilities, where a continuous energy supply is needed to control temperature fluctuations and avoid any damage being caused to the products being stored.

Underlining this point, he cites data showing that C&I refrigeration sites have the highest demand per square foot of any industrial load, with energy often accounting for up to 70% of their total electric bill.

Coker explains how Viking Cold’s TES technology has been designed specifically for such applications, using proprietary Phase Change Material that remains near a constant temperature while storing large amounts of energy that can be released over long periods, covering higher cost periods of peak demand.

Among the Viking Cold clients the article highlighted as managing demand through the use of TES was Dreisbach Enterprises in Richmond, California, which has reduced demand between 300 kW to 500 kW for 13 hours per day, six days a week while also improving temperature stability by 50% and avoiding the technique of ‘flywheeling’ on the food. Overall, Dreisbach Enterprises was able to achieve a cut in freezer energy consumption of 35%.

To read the full article, and for more news and insight into energy operations and maintenance, visit the POWER magazine website.

For more information on how Thermal Energy Storage can bring greater control and cost-savings to your cold storage facility, get in touch with Viking Cold today.

VIKING COLD SOLUTIONS ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF XCEL ENERGY’S CUSTOM THERMAL STORAGE INCENTIVE PROGRAM

Utility Program Funds Up to 90% of Energy-Saving Technology Upgrades for Frozen Food Producers and Cold Storage Warehouse Operators in Colorado and Minnesota

HOUSTON, Sept. 22, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Viking Cold Solutions, the leading thermal energy storage technology provider for the low-temperature cold storage and frozen food industries, announces the inclusion of its award-winning energy storage technology in Xcel Energy’s new Custom Thermal Storage Incentive Program, part of their Custom Efficiency programs in Colorado and Minnesota.

As an industry leader in delivering clean energy solutions, Xcel Energy is currently offering significant funding for energy-saving technology upgrades, such as Viking Cold’s Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems, which safely reduce demand and add temperature resiliency and efficiency to low-temperature facilities with large energy needs.

The majority of the TES system and installation costs will be funded by Xcel Energy’s Custom Thermal Storage Incentive Program and the remainder can be paid for out of the energy savings. By working with the utility to deploy innovative technology that addresses grid challenges and reduces emissions, owners of cold storage and frozen food facilities can save up to 25% or more on their monthly energy costs.

“Xcel Energy’s support of Viking Cold technology is further confirmation that TES creates value for both the utility as well as frozen food and cold storage customers. The utilities are incentivizing customers to upgrade their facilities with the latest efficiency and sustainability technology, such as TES, to provide safe, long-duration demand reduction. This helps customers in Colorado and Minnesota achieve their financial and sustainability goals,” said Collin Coker, Viking Cold’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing.

Viking Cold works directly with Xcel Energy representatives to assist customers through the program application process to maximize incentives, install the TES technology, and optimize the facility’s operation and energy use.

To learn more about how to save money while reducing your environmental impact and to initiate the application process, go to vikingcold.com/xcel.

In addition to Xcel Energy, Viking Cold Solutions is proud to collaborate on demand management and efficiency programs in partnership with other prominent U.S. utilities shaping a clean energy future, including Eversource Energy, National Grid, Pacific Gas & Electric Co., Southern California Edison Co., San Diego Gas & Electric Co., and many more.

###

About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com.

About Viking Cold Solutions

Viking Cold Solutions is the leading long-duration thermal energy storage technology provider to the energy-intensive frozen/low-temperature cold storage and frozen food industries. Viking Cold delivers cost-effective and flexible energy management services that protect food and help reduce environmental impact. Its patented Thermal Energy Storage system with phase change material (PCM) and intelligent controls reduces cold storage energy costs up to 25 percent or more, while sustainably improving temperature stability and optimizing refrigeration operations. Viking Cold Solutions’ TES systems have been measured, verified, and incentivized by energy utilities across the U.S. and are currently in use around the world providing energy management and efficiency to utilities, grocery stores, low-temperature warehouses, and restaurants.

Viking Cold Colorado Contact:
Adam Valmoro
Regional Director
avalmoro@vikingcold.com
+1 949.375.3551 (m)

Viking Cold Minnesota Contact:
Brad North
Regional Director
bnorth@vikingcold.com
+1 302.383.0138 (m)

Press Contact:
Damon Vance
Marketing Director
dvance@vikingcold.com
+1 832.899.4771

Thunder Said Energy, the research consultancy for energy technologies, has released a review of the benefits of thermal energy storage for refrigeration, renewable energy sources, and energy storage at large.

Phase Change Materials (PCM), such as those used by Viking Cold Solutions, are described by the report as a “game-changer” for energy storage technology, particularly with reference to their use alongside renewable energy. The report explains the economics of cold storage, the functioning of Phase Change Materials, and covers a review of 5,800 patents in the space.

Thunder Said’s Phase Change Materials review made the key observation that PCM technologies can:

• Earn double-digit Internal Rate of Return
• Unlock 20% efficiency gains in freezers and refrigerators
• Provide superior efficiency over battery storage

Noting that refrigerators and freezers comprise 9% of the US electric grid, including consumption across 4,200 warehouses, 40,000 supermarkets, and 620,000 restaurants, Thunder Said is bullish on the potentials of Phase Change Materials.

The PCM report, which can be purchased from the authors here, highlights the achievements of Viking Cold Solutions’ thermal energy management technologies, the industry-leading performance that will be of particular interest to the readers. While Thunder Said expects 20% improvements in efficiency gains and commensurate cost savings, Viking Cold’s own installations have delivered efficiency improvements and cost savings of between 25% and 50%, out-performing the analysts’ expectations.

Viking Cold Solutions has developed its own PCMs and proprietary software from its headquarters in Houston, Texas, and now has the technology installed and running in locations from California to Puerto Rico and Mexico to Australia, with years of reliable operation and documented case studies to confirm the technology’s effectiveness in reducing cost, energy consumption, and carbon emissions.

For specific case studies and overviews of Viking Cold Solutions’ technology’s performance, see our Resources. And to find out how we can improve your energy efficiency and reduce your energy costs, contact us here.

A recent piece on GreetechMedia.com describes how California based third-party logistics provider Dreisbach Enterprises has seen cost savings and performance improvements after installing Viking Cold’s long-duration thermal energy storage (TES) technology.

Jason Dreisbach, the owner of Dreisbach Enterprises, explains why his company selected Viking Cold’s technology from a range of available energy-efficiency and demand-response programs.

“What Viking Cold has allowed us to do is [to avoid] sub-cooling to the degree that we had, and then ride it out for much longer,” he explains in the report. “Instead of six hours, we ride 12 or 13 hours, six days a week, without turning on our more major compressors.” The result is a 22-month payback period instead of 36, with a range of additional benefits – increased employee comfort, reduced operations and maintenance costs, and improved temperature stability.

The Greentech Media piece also discusses the success of TES technology in the San Diego Food Bank. Since installing Viking Cold’s thermal energy storage system, the food bank has been able to shut down compressors overnight and leverage its onsite solar array to power more of the refrigeration during the day while reducing its morning peak to generate energy savings of nearly 40%.

The business landscape for long-duration thermal energy storage is shifting, the story reports. Dozens of utilities now offer incentives to support the installation of TES technologies, the TES market is growing, and Viking Cold’s sales teams see increasing numbers of inbound inquiries.

As James Bell, President and CEO of Viking Cold Solutions, is quoted as saying,  “Down the road, I see this looking like insulation did 100 years ago. Now you wouldn’t even consider a building without insulation. Going forward, why would anyone build a temperature-controlled facility without the efficiency and resiliency of TES?”

To read the full story, click here. Or contact us today to learn how our long-duration storage solution will save you energy and money.

COMPANY BUILDS MOMENTUM AS IT POSITIONS FOR ACCELERATED GROWTH IN 2020

HOUSTON (GLOBE NEWS WIRE) – Viking Cold Solutions, the leading thermal energy storage provider for low-temperature cold storage industries, announced a record-setting year for the company in 2019, highlighted by several notable accomplishments that set the stage for continued strong growth in 2020.

Viking Cold’s 2019 revenue was more than six times greater than 2018 revenue, reflecting over 19,000 kWh of energy storage capacity deployed across 14 projects, saving energy and protecting food while also offsetting 13.4 metric tons of carbon emissions each year. The company’s market growth continues to increase as its total sales pipeline grew to more than $40 million during the year.

Read More →