SMLD Energy Storage System - A Revolution For The Electric Grid

This 2-megawatt, 3.9-megawatt-hour battery storage system is the first of its kind in Massachusetts, and it’s also one of the more versatile in approach. The project’s “multiple stacked applications” include reducing utility costs, and using solar and energy storage to provide up to 12 days of clean backup power to critical public facilities. The project ramped up quickly -- it went from groundbreaking to commissioning in just three months. In its first month of operation in December, it shaved demand charges by more than $2,000 with a mere 2-hour battery discharge. 

Sterling Municipal Light gets about 35 percent of its generation from renewable sources, primarily wind, hydro and solar. PV accounts for about 30 percent of Sterling's peak load, giving it plenty of opportunity to use the system to manage renewable integration as well. Expected payback for installed system costs is under seven years, not counting project grants.

The project was supported by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, with additional financial and technical assistance from the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Electricity under the direction of Dr. Imre Gyuk, Sandia National Laboratories, and Clean Energy States Alliance. Technical support was also provided by Clean Energy Group through a grant from the Barr Foundation. Battery installation and commissioning was provided by NEC Energy Solutions.