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US States Make Significant Investments in BESS and Microgrids
California and Massachusetts are investing tens of millions in energy storage and microgrids. PG&E funds six microgrids in California with $30 million, focusing on vulnerable communities and resilience. Massachusetts allocates $40 million to 36 BESS projects for critical facilities, including long-duration energy storage pilot projects featuring sodium-iron chloride and aqueous zinc batteries.
Two prominent US states, California and Massachusetts, are collectively investing tens of millions of dollars in energy storage and microgrid projects. These initiatives aim to enhance grid stability, boost community resilience, and reduce energy costs, with a particular focus on vulnerable areas.
California: $30 Million for Six Microgrids
California’s largest electric utility, PG&E, has selected six new microgrid projects for a $30 million investment. These projects, announced on September 17, are part of PG&E’s Microgrid Incentive Programme (MIP). The MIP, authorized by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in April 2023 with a total budget of $200 million, targets the most vulnerable communities facing the highest risk of power outages.
Microgrids are localized energy systems that remain connected to the main electrical grid but can operate independently during power disruptions. They supply electricity to essential facilities such as hospitals, schools, and emergency services. These projects typically integrate solar panels, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and smart grid technology.
A notable initiative is the FLASHES project in Lake County, which combines solar energy with pumped hydroelectric storage using underground water resources. This is designed to provide long-duration energy storage (LDES) and resilience during extended outages, while also supplying water for firefighting. Another project in San Mateo County, led by WestLight Energy, includes 1.5 MW of solar PV generation and a 2 MW BESS, engineered to support at least 24 hours of independent operation.
Massachusetts: $40 Million for 36 BESS Projects
In Massachusetts, the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) has awarded $40 million to 36 BESS projects through its Advancing Massachusetts Power Energy Storage Grant Programme. The majority of these funds are allocated for deploying BESS at critical community facilities, with an emphasis on environmental justice communities that often experience longer power outages and higher energy bills. These projects will add approximately 10 MW, or 44 MWh, of BESS capacity across the state.
Funding recipients include various sites such as wastewater treatment plants, schools, and affordable housing developments. Two pilot projects specifically focus on LDES technologies: Berkshire East Mountain Resort received $4.51 million for a 4 MW/80 MWh sodium-iron chloride battery system from Inlyte, offering 20 hours of storage. Mystic Place Apartments were awarded $883,500 for a 0.24 MW/2.4 MWh aqueous zinc battery system from Eos Energy, providing 10 hours of storage capacity.
Additionally, approximately $2.5 million is being invested in training programs for first responders, municipal officials, and electricians, focusing on battery safety and emergency protocols.
Source: Energy-Storage.News
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