Holden Municipal Light Department (HMLD) and Lightshift Energy, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC), recently launched a significant battery storage project in Holden, Massachusetts. The 5MW/22MWh battery system is expected to enhance community energy resilience while offering substantial financial and environmental benefits.
Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Savings
The project, situated at the Chaffins Substation, will enable HMLD to charge the battery during periods of low energy demand and discharge during peak times. This approach, known as peak-shaving, is projected to save HMLD customers at least $10 million over the system’s lifecycle. The project aligns with green energy policies and advances non-carbon-emitting power generation, helping Holden stay ahead of state goals.
Barry Tupper, General Manager of HMLD, emphasized the importance of battery storage in mitigating rising capacity and transmission costs. “We are proud to offer reliable energy at competitive rates while advancing non-carbon-emitting power generation,” he said.
Lightshift and MMWEC Partnership Leads the Way
This battery storage system is part of a first-of-its-kind program launched by Lightshift and MMWEC in May 2024. The initiative aims to bring energy storage systems to multiple Massachusetts communities, with Holden being the first to benefit. Lightshift projects that this program will save Massachusetts over $200 million in energy costs.
Jason Viadero, MMWEC’s Director of Energy Assets, highlighted the pioneering efforts of Massachusetts’ municipal light plants in energy storage. He stated, “The HMLD project kicks off a broader 50-megawatt effort with Lightshift, demonstrating our commitment to peak demand management and renewable integration.”
Support from State and Local Leaders
Massachusetts Undersecretary of Energy Michael Judge, State Representative Kimberly Ferguson, and State Senator Peter Durant attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, showing strong support for the project. Representative Ferguson expressed optimism about the role of renewable infrastructure in accelerating the state’s path to net-zero emissions by 2050.
Rory Jones, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Lightshift, praised Holden’s leadership in embracing new energy technologies. “This project is a win for everyone. It’s a financial resource for the community, an environmental asset, and a pressure release valve for the grid,” he noted.
Lightshift’s Commitment to Community
In addition to the energy storage project, Lightshift announced a $10,000 donation to the Holden Fire Department’s Drone Program. This initiative will enhance emergency response efforts with advanced thermal imaging drones, reflecting Lightshift’s commitment to supporting local communities.
The success of the Holden project sets the stage for further developments across Massachusetts, with projects underway in Groton and Paxton. This marks a significant step forward in the solar energy market and energy storage developments in the region, reinforcing the importance of green energy policies and investments in the state’s energy market trends.
Source：businesswire.com
