• Grid Stabilization: BESS help stabilize the electrical grid by balancing supply and demand fluctuations, enhancing grid reliability.

• Renewable Integration: They enable higher penetration of intermittent renewable energy sources by storing excess energy and providing it during low generation periods.

• Emission Reduction: When paired with renewables, BESS contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based energy sources.

BESS should be located in proximity to substations and transmission lines to allow for easy and efficient integration with the electrical grid. Battery storage systems are designed to interact with the grid, and locating them near the point of interconnection simplifies the process of connecting to the grid infrastructure. This minimizes transmission and distribution losses that can occur when electricity travels long distances, as well as reduces need for new transmission lines to be routed in areas that are already often physically constrained. Thanks to their small footprint, utility-scale installations can be sited in various locations, including commercial, industrial, and residential areas.

Safety is a critical aspect when designing BESS. These systems include safety mechanisms that are crucial to prevent incidents, ensure reliable operation, and protect both people and property.

Here are some key safety mechanisms implemented in our BESS:

• Compliance with Standards and Regulations: BESS manufacturer and operator must adhere to safety standards and regulations set by relevant authorities. These standards provide guidelines for safe installation, operation, and maintenance. BESS are implemented in accordance with state and local building laws requiring specific UL certification and NFPA code compliance.

• Battery Management System (BMS): BMS is the brain for BESS. It monitors the state of charge, state of health, and temperature of individual battery cells. It ensures that the batteries operate within safe limits and can take corrective actions, such as balancing cell voltages, to prevent overcharging or over-discharging.

• Thermal Management: BESS employ continuous cooling to maintain optimal operating temperatures and prevent overheating.

• Fire Detection and Suppression: Advanced fire detection systems, including smoke and temperature sensors, are integrated into BESS installation. If a fire is detected, suppression systems can be activated to contain or extinguish the fire.

• Physical Enclosures: BESS are housed in physical enclosures made of fire-resistant materials to contain potential fires within a confined space and prevent them from spreading to other areas.

• 24/7 Monitoring and Remote Control: BESS are equipped with remote monitoring and control systems. This enables operators to oversee the system's performance, receive real-time alerts about any anomalies, and take appropriate actions remotely.

• Training and Procedures: Proper training for personnel operating and maintaining BESS is essential. Well-defined procedures and protocols help ensure safe operation, emergency response for local personnel, and maintenance practices will be enforced.

BESS can have positive environmental impacts and play an integral part in reducing energy emissions. When integrated with renewable energy sources, they increase the utilization of clean energy by storing excess energy and releasing it when renewables aren't generating power. They are a powerful alternative to polluting fossil fuel peaker plants that emit CO2 and NOx in addition to other particulate matter into the atmosphere.

The development of BESS can bring several benefits to a community. These benefits can have a positive impact on the environment, local economy and workforce. Here are some of the advantages associated with BESS:

• Environmental Benefits: By enabling the use of more renewable energy and reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, BESS can contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, leading to a cleaner and healthier environment for your community. Furthermore, this project is located on the site of a former auto salvage yard, which at one point contained more than 3,000 cars on the property. Prior to commencing operations, the property will be cleaned up from its prior use.

• Economic Benefits: Improvement of the property, formerly an auto salvage yard, will provide the town with annual property tax revenue over the estimated 20-year life of the project. This tax revenue can provide a stable source of revenue for the community.

• Construction and Maintenance Jobs: BESS typically require a significant amount of construction work during the initial development phase. These construction activities create temporary local job opportunities, often utilizing union labor, including construction workers, electricians, engineers, and project managers. It also plays an important role for supporting local industries ranging from materials suppliers, equipment manufacturers and transportation companies. While construction jobs are temporary, BESS facility require ongoing operation and maintenance. BESS also support the creation of long-term employment opportunities for technicians, operators, and maintenance personnel. These jobs can provide stable employment over the life of the BESS facility, which can extend for many years.