NHEC, Engie Completes Battery Energy Storage Project in US

Power distribution cooperative, New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC) has completed its first utility-scale energy storage project in partnership with Engie North America (Engie), a leading provider of energy storage services.

Further, the 2.45 battery energy storage solution (BESS) will be owned and operated by Engie, located on the site of NHEC’s 2 MW solar array in Moultonborough, New Hampshire.

The battery unit will charge from NHEC’s distribution system during times of low demand and discharge during periods of peak regional electricity use. By discharging during hours of peak electric usage, the battery will save NHEC’s members money on regional market and delivery charges while reducing demand on the grid.

As per the agreement, NHEC will discharge the battery to supply energy to its members up to 70 times per year. The battery project will provide NHEC with insight and direct experience into how battery storage technologies interact with its electrical system and respond to price signals, and will be used to reduce it’s transmission charges and regional capacity payments. As per estimates, these discharges will save NHEC members USD 2.3 million over next 12 years.

Steve Camerino, President and CEO of NHEC, said “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.”

“The addition of battery storage systems such as these, are not only delivering real value to customers today, but also helping to accelerate the energy transition,” said Laura Beane, Chief Renewables Officer of ENGIE North America.

Meanwhile, this battery storage unit is the largest in New Hampshire and can fully charge or discharge within 2 hours. The battery housed in a pre-fabricated 40 foot container located within the fence line of NHEC’s solar facility in Moultonborough.