What is the benefit of having battery storage on the grid?

Large scale battery storage systems like Cranberry Point benefit the local electrical grid by providing resiliency and flexibility from a non-emitting capacity resource. Moving toward 40% renewable energy in the Commonwealth by 2030 will require balancing resources like Cranberry Point that can quickly adapt to evolving grid conditions over time.

How did you choose the project location for Cranberry Point?

The Southeast Massachusetts electric grid subzone is experiencing dramatic energy capacity and transmission system changes with the transition to renewable energy. The Cranberry Point energy storage project will help replace some of the capacity of the retiring 1,400 MW Mystic natural gas plant, and the 677 MW retired Pilgrim nuclear plant is also in the same grid subzone. Moreover, the site is near the future onshore points of new offshore wind resources. As a result, Cranberry Point is optimally sited to ease future transmission congestion and provide energy reliability while providing replacement capacity for a retiring fossil fuel plant. To identify the most optimal site for energy reliability, the Plus Power team considered a variety of siting criteria including but not limited to land use and neighboring uses, archaeological, biological and cultural resources, topography, and proximity to critical transmission infrastructure such as the pivotal Carver substation.

Will the project harm pine barrens, wetlands, cranberry bogs, or local aquifers?

The site was carefully chosen and designed; the facility is not in a protected pine barren ecosystem, does not have any direct impacts to wetlands, and does not impact existing or historical cranberry bogs. All equipment will be placed on concrete or similar-type pads; the areas between the concrete pads will be covered with gravel.

Are there environmental, cultural, or archaeological features that could be disturbed on the Cranberry Point project site?

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) has been performed which did not identify any recognized environmental conditions. The Cranberry Point site has been previously unused, and there are no known cultural or archaeological features within the Cranberry Point footprint. Impacts to wetlands on the parcel of land will be avoided. As of April 13, 2022, the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC), office of the State Historic Preservation Officer, has reviewed the Cranberry Point Energy Storage report, Phase I Archaeological Survey which indicates that no archaeological deposits or features were identified. The MHC recommends that no further archaeological survey is necessary for the project as proposed.

What battery technology will the project use?

The project expects to use Tesla Megapack battery enclosures. The Megapacks rely on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry.

Does the Carver Fire Department need any new or specialized equipment to manage a battery storage incident?

No new or specialized equipment is needed for the town fire department to address an incident at the battery storage system should it ever occur.

Will this project remove pine barren soil?

The project is not in a designated pine barren. Moreover, we intend to level the soil and anticipate keeping unneeded soil on the same landowner’s site.

What is the impact of Cranberry Point on my electric utility bill?

We have no access to analysis of the 2021 ISO New England-wide capacity solicitation on local ratepayers in Carver at this time. However, the cost of our project is in the low end of the range of current system prices as analyzed by two of the nation’s premier storage analysts: U.S. Energy Storage Association and Wood Mackenzie.

How long will the batteries last? What will happen to them after that?

The Cranberry Point project will have a lifespan of at least 20 years. The original battery systems installed at the site are anticipated to operate for at least 15 years. As the original system naturally degrades, Cranberry Point will be augmented with supplemental battery storage units in the future. At the end of the project’s operating life, Cranberry Point is required to remove the battery system and restore the land to pre-existing conditions. Because the battery components contain valuable minerals, the system will be delivered to a certified facility for recycling and salvage value.

What considerations are being taken to ensure the safety of the Cranberry Point project?

Safety is paramount to Plus Power and its Cranberry Point project. Several measures are being taken to ensure reliable and safe operation of the system. From a technology perspective, Cranberry Point will utilize best-in-class lithium-ion iron phosphate (LFP) cells based on similar battery chemistries that are used in cell phones, computers, and electric vehicles. In addition, the system will utilize a variety of thermal management systems as well as remote monitoring strategies in order to maintain system stability. The Carver Fire Department has been engaged from early on in the Project and our team continues to work closely with them to be prepared for the construction phase of the project. 

This includes continuing review of the emergency response plan as the detailed project designs advance, and coordination of training of emergency personnel on proper techniques to use in the unlikely event of an emergency.  Emergency response techniques are based on rigorous Underwriters Laboratory (UL) testing procedures and the National Fire Protection Association requirements of the specific battery technology anticipated to be operated at the site.  The goal of this entire process is to understand the risks that may occur, and to ensure the safety of both the local community and the First Responders.

Will the Cranberry Point Project impact my views?

Cranberry Point is ideally situated within an area near an existing substation, away from densely populated areas. As you can see on the renderings located here on this website, the project is screened by natural features on multiple sides. As such, the impact to local views from Cranberry Point will be very limited. The closest residence to the project fence line is approximately 400’ to the west; however, existing wooded areas outside of the project area provide a visual buffer.