Beacon Power Breaks Ground On 20MW Flywheel Energy Storage Plant

Published: 19-Nov-2009

Beacon Power, was joined today by state and local officials at a formal groundbreaking event in Stephentown, New York, signaling the start of construction for the nation’s first full scale 20MW flywheel frequency regulation plant.

Beacon’s 20MW plant has been designed to provide frequency regulation services by absorbing electricity from the grid when there is too much, and storing it as kinetic energy in a matrix of flywheel systems. When there is not enough power to meet demand, the flywheels inject energy back into the grid, thus helping to maintain proper electricity frequency (60 cycles/second).

Initial construction work on the 20MW plant will start this month. Full construction is expected to begin in late first quarter of 2010, and be completed in 16 to 18 months.

Stephen Whitley, president and CEO of the New York Independent System Operator, said: “New York’s competitive electricity market attracts investments in new energy technologies, such as flywheel energy storage system. Advances in energy storage are a key component in expanding renewable energy across New York while sustaining a reliable power grid for New York consumers.”

Bill Capp, president and CEO of Beacon, said: “This is a truly significant milestone in our company’s history, and it represents equally important progress toward the development of a smarter grid in New York State and the nation in general.

"Flywheel systems provide an essential grid-stabilizing service, and they do it faster and much more efficiently than today’s conventional methods, most of which consume fossil fuel and produce harmful CO2 greenhouse gas emissions.

"We’re grateful for the consistent support we’ve received from the organizations as well as from the US Department of Energy, and we look forward to playing our part in helping this state build a cleaner and more secure energy future.”

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