[USA] Agilitas Energy to begin pre-construction activities on largest battery energy storage system in Rhode Island

On May 6, 2021, Agilitas Energy announced that it is starting pre-construction work on its 3 MW/9 MWh lithium-ion battery storage system in Pascoag, Rhode Island, which will be the largest battery energy storage system in the state.[1] The battery storage project will provide peak shaving services to the Pascoag Utility District, a quasi-municipal, “not-for-profit” utility that serves 4,800 customers, and ancillary services to ISO-New England (ISO-NE). According to Mike Kirkwood, the general manager of the Pascoag Utility District, the project will allow the District to modernize its infrastructure and avoid a more costly transmission line reconstruction project. The project is Agilitas Energy’s first battery energy storage system in Rhode Island and is slated to enter commercial operation by Q2 2022.

In 2020, Rhode Island’s then-governor Gina Raimondo signed an executive order committing the state to meet 100% of its electricity demand with renewables and non-fossil fuel resources by 2030. According to Agilitas Energy, battery storage could enable the state to meet its climate goals by storing electricity generated by renewable energy sources for use at another time. Additionally, the company stated that its system would enable flexibility and result in cost savings for end consumers.

[1] https://agilitasenergy.com/agilitas-energy-to-commence-construction-of-largest-bess-in-rhode-island/