(WNY News Now) – Governor Kathy Hochul inaugurated New York’s inaugural state-owned utility-scale battery energy storage venture, operational in Franklin County’s North Country. The 20-megawatt facility, managed by the New York Power Authority, integrates with the state’s grid, addressing transmission congestion and advancing clean energy integration.
Franklin County – Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled New York’s pioneering state-owned utility-scale battery energy storage initiative, now operational in Franklin County’s North Country. Orchestrated by the New York Power Authority, the 20-megawatt installation effectively ties into the state’s electrical grid, mitigating transmission congestion and setting the stage for an enhanced fusion of clean energy sources, particularly during peak demand periods.
Dubbed the Northern New York Energy Storage Project, this 20-megawatt endeavor acts as a blueprint for forthcoming energy storage systems. Located in Chateaugay, it contributes to bolstering the dependability and durability of power distribution in a region significantly powered by renewable resources. The project propels New York’s ambition to install 6,000 megawatts of energy storage by 2030.
Governor Hochul stated, “Energy storage technology bolsters our grid’s reliability and resilience, aiding New York in constructing a robust clean energy network. The completion of the Northern New York Energy Storage project signifies a vital stride towards achieving the state’s energy storage and climate objectives.”
Strategically located in a region generating over 80 percent of its electricity from renewables, including hydropower and wind, the project stands as a trendsetter. Comprising five walk-in enclosures, each housing over 19,500 batteries, the facility can distribute 4 megawatts of power per container, sufficient to power approximately 3,000 homes.
New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll emphasized the project’s significance in propelling New York’s decarbonization pursuits and ensuring 70 percent of electricity stems from renewables by 2030. The project garners applause from entities like the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium and the New York Independent System Operator, both acknowledging its pivotal role in grid enhancement.
The project’s operationalization prompted Governor Hochul to initiate an Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group, highlighting the importance of safety in energy storage. With rare fires being a concern, multiple state departments will independently scrutinize fire safety standards.
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