4.5-MW solar, 3.8-MWh storage project completed at former Massachusetts landfill
A 4.5-MW solar array coupled with a 1.6-MW/3.8-MWh energy storage system has been completed on the former Titcomb pit landfill in Amesbury, Massachusetts. Kearsarge Energy developed and constructed the project that uses an AC-coupled GSS energy system from NEC Energy Solutions.
Kearsarge will own and operate the solar + storage system and will use it to provide energy capacity services for the NE-ISO market, the first in Kearsarge’s 250-MW pipeline to incorporate energy storage. Amesbury is among 40+ public organizations in New England and New York to partner with Kearsarge on renewable energy development initiatives. The project will produce 5.2 million kWh of electricity annually.
“The partnership between the City of Amesbury, National Grid and NEC was absolutely critical to the success of this groundbreaking project,” said Andrew Bernstein, Managing Partner of Kearsarge Energy. “Our mission at Kearsarge is to develop sustainable energy solutions in public-private partnerships that boost local economies, provide budgetary relief for municipalities, and enhance community life using underutilized resources like landfills. The Amesbury project is a superb example of how all those objectives can be met when municipal leaders are forward looking and open to win-win partnerships.”
Kearsarge and NEC will close on a Master Supply Agreement this week, whereby Kearsarge will integrate NEC’s GSS (Grid Storage Solution) with solar systems. NEC’s GSS has been in commercial service since 2008, with nearly 1 GW of energy storage installed, contracted or awarded, with applications including peak shaving, renewable integration, frequency response, frequency regulation and voltage regulation.
“We are pleased to partner with Kearsarge on this solar + storage project right here in our backyard,” said Betty Chan-Massey, Director Channel Sales of NEC Energy Solutions. “This will make Amesbury one of the largest providers of sustainable, solar energy in this part of the state which is something to really celebrate. We’re particularly pleased knowing that our energy storage system is the key enabler allowing that to happen. We also look forward to working with Kearsarge on many more projects like this one as a result of our Master Supply Agreement.”
