Long Island City to gain 316 MW battery storage facility

The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a battery storage project earlier this month, which aims to bring a 316-megawatt facility to the Ravenswood Generating Station in New York’s Long Island City.

If necessary, that level of storage could sustain more than 250,000 homes for eight hours, according to the PSC. Ravenswood Development, LLC will be responsible for the facility, storing electricity from the grid and releasing it in turn, as dictated by the New York Independent System Operator and Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. This energy will be stored in lithium-ion batteries.

“Energy storage is vital to building flexibility into the grid and advancing Governor Cuomo’s ambitious clean energy goals,” Commission Chair John Rhodes said. “Projects like Ravenswoodwill enable us to grow the industry and create jobs while we continue on our path toward meeting the country’s largest energy storage target. When complete, this facility will displace energy produced from fossil plants during peak periods, resulting in cleaner air and reduced carbon emissions.”

Throughout the project, between 100 and 120 skilled construction workers will be employed. The facility should be at least partially operational by March 2021.