What will the project look like?

See below for a generic rendering of a BESS project.

In addition to the battery enclosures, the project will also include equipment like what you would find in a substation: inverters, transformers, electric wires and poles, small buildings for communications equipment, etc.

Also, there will be climate control equipment integrated into the containers like the HVAC systems you would find in a home or business. Surrounding the project there will be sound barrier and fencing for security purposes along with any additional screening measures the Connecticut Siting Council may require.

How did you choose this location?

We take into consideration many factors when deciding on a site location.

We look for land adjacent to existing energy infrastructure such as transmission lines or substations.  Also, we want to minimize our impact on the environment and surrounding area.  The proposed site fits these criteria.

What considerations are being taken to ensure project safety?

Safety in the design, construction, and operation of energy storage systems is our highest priority. Through code compliance, effective design, operation, and maintenance, battery energy storage systems are safe and the risk of thermal runaway and subsequent fire is extremely low. These types of low risk activities are familiar in our everyday lives, such as heating our houses with natural gas or driving a car.

Each battery enclosure is controlled and monitored 24/7/365, allowing the facility to be closely managed and safely operated. Each enclosure is equipped with an integrated system of sensors, alarms, and fire detection and suppression systems. The operational management systems will be designed, installed, and operated according to applicable national and local fire code standards and regulations, which include energy storage-specific regulations. Additionally, we will continue to have regular contact with the local fire department to facilitate coordination and training opportunities that ensure first responders are adequately trained to handle any system incidents or safety concerns.

Is it safe to live next door to a battery?

Yes. Many of us sleep with lithium-ion batteries right next to us (cell phones and laptops) or parked in our garage (electric vehicles). Energy storage projects are regularly built and operated in urban areas around the US and across the world, with very high safety records.

How does it work?

We use energy storage all of the time in our everyday lives. The same battery technologies that power your phone, computer, and other electronic devices are smaller versions of the battery energy storage systems connected to our electrical grid. Energy storage systems charge and store electricity when it is least expensive and/or when there is a surplus on the grid so that it can be used when electricity is most needed due to high costs and/or limited supply.

How does it benefit the electrical grid?

Energy storage projects are vital to ensure grid reliability and resiliency, especially as we see increases in the number of intermittent generators such as solar and wind on the electrical grid. They can assist in more efficiently using utility resources by expanding their capability to meet peak demand. Additionally, during periods of grid stress, these energy storage systems can provide valuable extended operating power.

When installed along existing transmission lines, a battery energy storage system can help regulate the transmission of large quantities of electricity and ensure the reliability and stability of the line are maintained in times of stress. Systems of this type can also be used as an alternative to new transmission lines when electrical congestion becomes a concern for the surrounding infrastructure. Depending on the location and magnitude of storm impacts, the project could also help reduce the length and number of outages of the supply of electricity to the surrounding region during major storm and tornado events or accelerate the restoration of electricity in the event of an outage.

What are some examples of operational East Point projects?

Our energy centers use proven technology, such as lithium-ion batteries, which have been successfully deployed throughout the United States. The US has hundreds of operational grid-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) projects totaling thousands of megawatts (MWs) of capacity.

Connecticut has 54.6 MWs of grid-scale BESS projects approved for construction across 8 project sites. Many more energy storage projects are scheduled to reach commercial operation in the coming years as Connecticut electric utilities work towards the targeted 1,000 MW of energy storage by 2030. Examples of existing battery energy storage systems East Point has developed and/or in operation:

  • Brokenburg (2MW) owned by Rappahanock Electric Cooperative in Spotsylvania County, VA
  • Dry Bridge BESS (20 MW) owned by Dominion Energy in Chesterfield County, VA
  • Sunset Ridge Energy Center (10 MW) owned by East Point Energy in Frio, TX
  • Citrus Flatts Energy Center (100 MW) owned by East Point Energy in Harlingen, TX
How long do the batteries last? What happens after that?

We expect this facility to be in operation for at least 20 years, though the energy system’s useful life can vary based on use, maintenance, and augmentation activities. The project will follow a decommissioning plan in coordination with the local municipality, which safely removes all equipment from the site and transports component parts to the appropriate recycling or waste management facilities at the end of the project life.

Where can I go if I want to learn more about Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)?

Please see below for a list of additional resources if you want to learn more about BESS.

Click the individual items to open the resources.