Utility in deal for development of 100-MW battery storage project on NYPA-owned land

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
December 16, 2020

Solar and energy storage company 174 Power Global and investor-owned New York utility Con Edison on Dec. 16 announced the signing of a seven-year dispatch rights agreement for the development of a 100-megawatt battery storage project, the East River Energy Storage System, in Astoria, Queens.

The facility will be located on land owned by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and leased under a long-term contract to 174 Power Global.

The battery system, which is expected to be one of the biggest in New York State, will be built and owned by 174 Power Global.

The new energy storage system represents a redevelopment of the Charles Poletti Power Plant property, repowering New York City’s grid with a clean energy resource.

“The New York Power Authority is committed to moving clean energy technologies forward and supporting initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a healthier environment,” Gil Quinones, NYPA president and CEO, said in a statement.

 “Additional energy storage development, especially in long duration storage, is key for the continued growth of renewable energy, such as hydro, wind and solar, to help us meet our peak energy demands and bring greater flexibility and resiliency to the New York State electric grid,” he said.

“This adaptive reuse of this land will help realize yet another clean energy project that moves us another step forward in meeting our aggressive climate leadership goals.”

The East River Energy Storage System is designed to balance peak electricity demands and provide grid reliability by delivering reactive power, voltage support and frequency stability to the New York region.

The energy storage system is expected to achieve commercial operation on Jan. 1, 2023.