As part of Eversource's commitment to advancing clean technologies and exploring innovative ways to help the commonwealth achieve its decarbonization goals, the company is testing a Mobile Battery Energy Storage System (MBESS) as a zero-carbon back-up power source. As part of its MBESS pilot program, the energy company now has two mobile batteries that it is strategically deploying across its Massachusetts service territory, including in environmental justice communities, to provide power to customers while its crews make upgrades or repairs to the electric system that would otherwise require a power outage. Eversource is also charging one of the batteries using a solar array at its Springfield Area Work Center, further enhancing the clean energy applications of the technology.
"The mobile batteries are passing our tests with flying colors, and we are excited about the many benefits it will provide to our customers as a quiet, carbon-free solution to ensure reliable service while we conduct critical work on the system," said Eversource Director of Distribution Engineering Umair Zia. "We've field-tested the MBESS, bringing it to a site where we'd previously used diesel power generators for back-up power, and the mobile battery provided power for 18 hours at a time, quietly, with no emissions. It can also be recharged using our solar panels at our area work centers, making this a truly sustainable solution to enhance service for our customers."
Mobile batteries produce no exhaust fumes and unlike diesel generators, the MBESS operates virtually silently. Also, by eliminating noise, batteries can facilitate clearer communication between workers on construction job sites or disaster relief efforts. The MBESS can also be swapped out for recharging and save money previously spent on diesel fuel to power generators.
One new 500 kilowatt-hour mobile battery can, for example, charge a 50-home neighborhood for four hours. The current plan is to have two mobile batteries at the Springfield Area Work Center for deployment.
Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, is the #1 energy company in Newsweek's list of America's Most Responsible Companies for 2023 and recognized as one of America's Most JUST Companies. Celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, Eversource transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas and supplies water to 1.8 million customers throughout Massachusetts, including approximately 1.47 million electric customers in 140 communities, 639,000 gas customers in 117 communities, and 11,500 water customers in five communities. Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 9,900 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The #1 energy efficiency provider in the nation, the company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information, please follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
