Plus Power has announced that it is formally operating from its Cranberry Point utility. This milestone creates immensely positive momentum for Massachusetts’ renewable energy future. Cranberry Point encompasses roughly six acres adjacent to Eversource’s Carver 115kV substation. At 150MW/300MWh, it’s the largest utility-scale, standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) on New England’s grid as well.
Cranberry Point is an important cog in the region’s energy system. The facility connects to a key north-south transmission line, which facilitates the movement of energy from new power sources to major demand centers, including Boston. In doing so, it provides about 10% of the capacity that was previously supplied by the retired Mystic combined cycle facility.
Features and Capabilities
The unique operational capabilities of Cranberry Point make it different from the typical, old, outdated, fossil fuel power plants. Last, but by no means least, it can do so much more by providing fully dispatchable services. This gives it the ability to rapidly address energy needs within a mere 250 milliseconds. As the only net-zero energy, water use, and carbon manufactured facility in the world, the facility shows its commitment to sustainability.
Cranberry Point features 82 Tesla Megapack 2 XL battery enclosures. This new facility is positioned to assist Massachusetts in achieving about one-third of its signaling leading the nation energy storage goal. The state plans to install 1,000MWh of battery energy storage by 2025. Cranberry Point is laying down the gauntlet as one of the leading influencers in this thrilling endeavor.
Contributions to Energy Reliability
Through its innovative technology and strategic location, Cranberry Point is expected to enhance power reliability and energy affordability in the region. The IGCC facility is able to deliver a predictable energy storage. This new capability will increasingly allow supply and demand to be balanced, furthering the resiliency of our energy grid.
In a statement reflecting on the facility’s significance, Alex Fraenkel, Plus Power co-founder and executive vice-chair, expressed pride in the project:
“Plus Power is proud to deliver this landmark facility for the Commonwealth and honoured to contribute to power reliability, energy affordability, and emissions reduction in the region. We look forward to being a model for ISO-NE [New England] on battery performance and an excellent neighbour for many years to come.”
Looking Ahead
As Massachusetts continues its transition toward renewable energy, facilities like Cranberry Point will be essential in meeting both current and future energy demands. Chargers Plus Power is bringing advanced battery technology deployment to the electric grid. Their aim is to set a new baseline for energy storage products across New England.
