Bay State Wind, a 50/50 offshore wind partnership between Ørsted and Eversource, has entered into a letter of intent to work with Massachusetts-based NEC Energy Solutions to develop an energy storage solution for the developer’s wind-plus-storage project.
Bay State Wind is a proposed offshore wind project located 25 miles off the Massachusetts South Coast and 15 miles off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard. The new partnership will collaborate on an 800 MW wind plus 55 MW/110 MWh energy storage combined project.
“We could not be more thrilled to work with a Massachusetts company that is a global leader in battery storage technology and products,” comments Thomas Brostrøm, president of Ørsted North America. “NEC Energy Solutions is widely recognized as a pioneer and leader in the market for utility-scale energy storage, and their ability to recruit talent from the local workforce will help not only Bay State Wind, but it will help solidify Massachusetts as a global leader in the green energy revolution.”
NEC Energy Solutions’ experience in developing flexible battery storage solutions will further Bay State Wind’s efforts to help the region in overcoming winter reliability challenges by delivering energy when it is needed most and help to reduce winter peak energy prices and price volatility. Bay State Wind estimates that the annual winter price reduction would be approximately $158 million per year, and the project would enhance grid stability by shifting energy delivery to meet demand profile.
“The development of a robust battery storage system is going to help Massachusetts become a leader in renewable energy, and more importantly, it will help small businesses and consumers by ensuring a steady supply of energy, thereby reducing high-demand energy spikes,” says Mike Auseré, Eversource’s vice president of business development.
Steve Fludder, CEO of NEC Energy Solutions, adds, “This development is crucial to growing our battery storage systems in Massachusetts, across America and around the world. The Bay State Wind project is a unique opportunity, and the benefits to the commonwealth are immense. We are excited about what we can achieve together.”
