Construction will begin this spring on one of the largest battery storage projects in New England, located in Gorham, Maine. The goal of this project is to enhance the efficiency of the region’s expanding solar and wind power infrastructure. The Cross Town Energy Storage facility, Maine’s first large-scale battery project, plays a crucial role in meeting the state’s climate objectives as it moves away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy, considering the unpredictable nature of solar and wind power.
Significance of the project for grid stability
By providing a buffer for power supply during times when sun or wind conditions are not optimal, the energy storage facility will help maintain grid stability and ensure a consistent flow of electric power to the region. Additionally, the project will create new job opportunities and further support the local economy while fostering the growth of sustainable energy in Maine and throughout New England.
About Plus Power LLC and project construction
Plus Power LLC, a Houston-based company, is responsible for the more than $100 million project, which has a capacity of 175 megawatts and is expected to start operations in mid-2025. The facility will consist of 156 tractor-trailer-like containers filled with lithium iron phosphate batteries, occupying a five-acre area within the Gorham Industrial Park.
Contributing to integration of renewable energy sources
This cutting-edge energy storage solution is aimed at providing grid stability and ensuring a consistent power supply to the region. Additionally, the project will support the increasing integration of renewable energy sources by efficiently storing and dispatching clean energy during periods of high demand or low generation.
National trend towards battery storage projects
The project aligns with the increasing national trend of constructing massive battery plants, as 44% of developer connection requests to the ISO-New England high-voltage grid involve batteries. These battery plants play a crucial role in the transition towards renewable energy, as they serve as a means to store and distribute clean energy efficiently. As a result, both public and private sectors are investing heavily in the development and implementation of these advanced battery storage systems to expand the capacity of the local and national grid.
Regulation adjustments facilitating battery projects
Regulatory adjustments in 2018 have enabled battery projects to compete with traditional power plants in wholesale electricity markets. More than 1,000 megawatts of new battery capacity has been approved for New England, including batteries located adjacent to solar farms and stand-alone projects like Cross Town. These developments signal a growing trend towards cleaner energy solutions and a reduced dependence on fossil fuels.
Benefits of Cross Town Energy Storage for southern Maine
The primary purpose of the Cross Town Energy Storage facility is to alleviate congestion on southern Maine’s restricted electric grid as more solar and wind power becomes accessible. By doing so, the facility will effectively increase the region’s capacity to integrate renewable energy sources, enhancing overall power stability and reliability. Moreover, the Cross Town Energy Storage facility will help in reducing the need for costly infrastructure upgrades, ultimately benefiting both residents and businesses in southern Maine.
Seamless integration with the existing power infrastructure
The batteries, strategically situated next to a Central Maine Power substation, will have a direct link to the high-voltage grid and can be activated in milliseconds, maintaining the appropriate frequency standard required for the operation of electrical equipment. This innovative design allows for a seamless integration with the existing power infrastructure, significantly enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the grid. As a result, customers can expect a more stable power supply with a reduced risk of outages and the potential for lowering energy costs in the long run.
Long-term benefits from the ISO-New England contract
During the 2021 annual bidding process, the project secured a seven-year contract with ISO-New England, guaranteeing the lowest possible prices for future generation capacity. This contract ensures a consistent, stable energy supply for the New England region, while promoting long-term cost savings for consumers. Furthermore, the collaboration between the project and ISO-New England will contribute to the development of a more sustainable and efficient energy infrastructure in the coming years.
First Reported on: newscentermaine.com
FAQs
What is the main purpose of the Cross Town Energy Storage facility?
The main purpose of the Cross Town Energy Storage facility is to enhance the efficiency of the region’s expanding solar and wind power infrastructure, maintain grid stability, and ensure a consistent flow of electric power to the region. It will also help alleviate congestion on southern Maine’s restricted electric grid as more renewable energy sources become accessible.
How does the project contribute to the integration of renewable energy sources?
The energy storage facility serves as a buffer for power supply during times when solar or wind conditions are non-optimal, helping to maintain grid stability and support the increasing integration of renewable energy sources by efficiently storing and dispatching clean energy during periods of high demand or low generation.
Who is responsible for the project, and what is its capacity and construction timeline?
Plus Power LLC, a Houston-based company, is responsible for the project, which has a capacity of 175 megawatts and is expected to start operations in mid-2025.
Where will the facility be located, and what will it consist of?
The facility will be located in Gorham, Maine, occupying a five-acre area within the Gorham Industrial Park. It will consist of 156 tractor-trailer-like containers filled with lithium iron phosphate batteries.
How does the project align with the national trend towards battery storage projects?
The project aligns with the increasing national trend of constructing massive battery plants, as 44% of developer connection requests to the ISO-New England high-voltage grid involve batteries. These battery plants play a crucial role in the transition towards renewable energy and expanding the capacity of the local and national grid.
What changes in regulation have facilitated battery projects like Cross Town Energy Storage?
Regulatory adjustments in 2018 have enabled battery projects to compete with traditional power plants in wholesale electricity markets. More than 1,000 megawatts of new battery capacity has been approved for New England, signaling a growing trend towards cleaner energy solutions and a reduced dependence on fossil fuels.
What are the benefits of the Cross Town Energy Storage facility for southern Maine?
The Cross Town Energy Storage facility will effectively increase the region’s capacity to integrate renewable energy sources, enhancing overall power stability and reliability. It will also help in reducing the need for costly infrastructure upgrades, ultimately benefiting both residents and businesses in southern Maine.
How will the energy storage facility integrate with the existing power infrastructure?
The batteries, strategically situated next to a Central Maine Power substation, will have a direct link to the high-voltage grid and can be activated in milliseconds, allowing for seamless integration with the existing power infrastructure and significantly enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the grid.
What are the long-term benefits of the ISO-New England contract for the project?
The ISO-New England contract, secured during the 2021 annual bidding process, guarantees the lowest possible prices for future generation capacity over seven years. This ensures a consistent, stable energy supply for the region and promotes long-term cost savings for consumers, while contributing to the development of a more sustainable and efficient energy infrastructure in the coming years.
