New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC) completes its first utility-scale energy storage project in partnership with ENGIE North America (ENGIE).
ENGIE will own and operate the battery unit located on the site of NHEC’s 2 MW solar array in Moultonborough, NH. The battery unit will charge from NHEC’s distribution system during low demand and discharge during peak regional electricity use. By discharging during peak electric usage, the battery will save NHEC’s regional market members delivery charges while reducing demand on the grid.
As part of the innovative partnership agreement with ENGIE, NHEC will discharge the battery to supply energy to its members up to 70 times per year. These discharges will be used to reduce NHEC’s transmission charges and regional capacity payments. The battery project will provide NHEC with insight and direct experience into how battery storage technologies respond to price signals and interact with its electrical system. NHEC estimates these discharges will save its members $2.3 million over the next 12 years.
Steve Camerino, President and CEO, NHEC, said: “Energy storage is a rapidly evolving technology that has a key place in our strategic vision for our business model of the future. It’s important for NHEC to gain firsthand experience with batteries so we can better understand the benefits they have to offer our members and the operation of our system. As more Co-op members install their own batteries, NHEC needs to be ready to support them with a flexible, responsive grid. We are excited to make significant progress on our strategic vision through this innovative partnership with ENGIE, which will provide benefits to all NHEC’s members.”
Laura Beane, Chief Renewables Officer, ENGIE North America, said: “We are delighted to have completed this leading-edge storage project alongside NHEC. The addition of battery storage systems such as these not only deliver real value to customers but also helps accelerate the energy transition. NHEC’s leadership in commissioning this project reflects their commitment to innovation in supporting cost-effective, clean energy for their members.”
The battery storage unit is the largest in New Hampshire and can fully charge or discharge within two hours. NHEC and ENGIE received all necessary approvals from Moultonborough. The battery is housed in a pre-fabricated 40-foot container located within the fence line of NHEC’s solar facility in Moultonborough, New Hampshire.
