What is battery storage?

A grid-connected battery energy storage system (BESS) consists of racks of rechargeable batteries housed in specially engineered enclosures, communications equipment to control and monitor the batteries, HVAC equipment to maintain performance during all weather conditions, and equipment to ensure that the batteries operate safely.

Standalone battery energy storage is a BESS not co-located with a specific generator or load. It charges from and discharges directly to the transmission or distribution grid and is not associated with any specific type of electrical generation facility. A relatively small land footprint and sophisticated technology allow standalone battery energy storage to be strategically sited in the location that offers the most value to the grid.

Battery energy storage systems are made up of batteries, typically lithium-ion, which are grouped into modules and installed on racks inside durable, weatherproof, and sealed metal containers (also called enclosures). The enclosures are typically 20-30 feet long and five to ten feet wide and may be clustered in groups of four. The batteries and control systems are accessible from the outside via a cabinet-style design. Each container is typically capable of storing two to five Megawatt-hours (“MWh”) of electricity.

Typically, a stand-alone battery energy storage system connects to the wider grid at an electric substation. The system charges from and discharges directly to the transmission or distribution grid and is not associated with any specific type of generation providing power to the grid. The batteries charge when there is extra power available on the grid, like overnight or during times of low demand. When the batteries discharge or put power back onto the grid during times of peak energy demand, power is delivered to the substation and then distributed to homes and businesses. The energy storage facilities discharge when customers need power most.

For more information on battery energy storage, please visit the EPA site on battery storage.

A battery storage facility provides increased energy capacity, peak shaving, voltage support, and frequency regulation—all of this means that a battery storage facility has the power and unique characteristics to make the grid perform better, by providing all those different supporting functions. Energy storage may defer the need for ratepayers to fund new transmission and generation infrastructure. Battery energy storage facilities can provide millisecond level response times to signals on the grid without producing emissions, mitigating the need to rely on pollution-emitting peaking power plants.

Once construction is completed and the facility is operational, there will be very little activity at the facility. Like most of the electric grid, the facility will be operated and monitored through state-of-the-art technology, including alarms and safety systems. Staff will visit the facility as necessary to preemptively ensure smooth operations and inspect the equipment, run diagnostic checks, and groom vegetation, typically once or twice per month.

After construction, you can expect no observable increase in traffic, emissions, dust, glare, waste, or water use. The facility will produce very little noise and no regular nighttime lighting is anticipated. Operations will comply with all local, state, and federal ordinances and regulations.

Monitoring: The site, and each individual battery module, will be remotely monitored and controlled 24/7, 365 days a year.
Security: The site will be surrounded by a fence and locked, with access only for authorized personnel.
Traffic: Minimal. Approximately 1-2 monthly trips from a service vehicle
Visual: Project components will be largely screened by existing tree cover and will be supplemented with additional landscaping.
Noise: The project will be designed to meet OPSB noise standards and be consistent with surrounding uses.
Odor: None
Groundwater Use: None
Pollution/Discharge: None
RegularMunicipal Services: None
Lighting: No regular nighttime lighting. Internal motion-activated security lighting only