Storage developer and operator Lightshift Energy has secured a significant contract to deploy multiple distributed battery energy storage system (BESS) projects totaling 50MW for various utilities in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC), representing half of the municipal utilities in the state, selected Lightshift Energy to construct and operate these projects following a competitive solicitation process initiated in late 2022.
Described as the state's first jointly implemented fleet of BESS projects, the portfolio comprises at least 10 projects aimed at helping utilities manage generation and load, decarbonize their grids, and achieve cost savings. It is anticipated that these projects will deliver total savings exceeding US$200 million by 2050.
Currently, four projects are under construction in the towns of Groton, Holden, and Paxton, set to commence commercial operation this summer. Additionally, projects in the towns of Peabody, Shrewsbury, Wakefield, Chicopee, Ipswich, and Princeton are in late-stage or mid-stage development, with all expected to come online between 2024 and 2025.
The BESS installations will play a crucial role in peak shaving activities, balancing supply and demand, and contributing to emissions reduction efforts across the state.
Previously known as Delorean Power, Lightshift Energy recently secured a US$100 million investment from shareholder Greenbacker to support its pipeline, primarily focused on the Northeastern and Southeastern US regions. The BESS projects in Holden and Groton are likely part of the same initiative previously announced by Lightshift/Delorean in those towns.
Among these projects, a 5MW/22Wh system for utility Holden Municipal Light Department (HMLD) and a 2MW/9MWh system for Groton Electric Light Department (GELD) were announced in October and November last year, respectively. Both systems boast approximately 4.5-hour duration capabilities.
In addition to these distributed projects, Massachusetts is also witnessing the development of several large-scale BESS projects. Last year, two projects totaling 800MWh were granted Zoning Law exemptions to advance their development.
Source: Energy Storage