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

Large scale battery storage systems like the Scarlet facility benefit the local electrical grid by providing resiliency and flexibility from a non-emitting capacity resource. 

How did you choose the project location for Scarlet Energy Storage?

A variety of siting criteria were considered, including but not limited to grid compatibility, land use designations, cultural resources, topography, and proximity to critical utility infrastructure. Scarlet’s location met the optimal criteria across all categories.  

Does Scarlet have a partner in the development of the facility?

The Scarlet Energy Storage facility is being developed in partnership with Plus Power, North America’s leading standalone energy storage platform. Plus Power develops, owns, and operates utility-scale energy storage facilities that enable a more efficient and reliable electrical grid to support residents and businesses. The Plus Power team, led by seasoned executives from the renewables and energy storage industry, is accelerating the deployment of transmission-connected battery storage throughout the United States.

What prompted the development of Scarlet?

The Scarlet Energy Storage facility is ideally situated to provide energy, capacity, and grid services in a region with growing local energy demand and abundant but variable energy resources.  

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

The Scarlet facility will have a lifespan of at least 20 years. At the end of the project’s operating life, the battery system will be removed, and the land will be restored to pre-existing conditions. Because the battery components contain valuable minerals and technology, the components will be used for recycling and salvage value.

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

The property on which the Scarlet facility is being developed has no known cultural or archaeological features within its footprint. Scarlet Energy Storage’s footprint is dramatically smaller than other power plants, especially solar or nuclear.

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

Safety is paramount to the Scarlet facility and to Plus Power. Several measures are being taken to ensure reliable and safe operation of the system. The Scarlet facility will utilize best-in-class technology, building off decades of global use and application. The battery and system will be held to the National Fire Protection Association 855 national standard and other related grid infrastructure codes and standards. In addition, the system will utilize a variety of thermal management systems, as well as remote monitoring strategies, to maintain system stability. The local fire departments will be fully engaged in design discussions through the process of creating a dedicated Emergency Response Plan for the project, and the Plus Power team will ensure there is significant collaboration and training with first responders to guarantee proper techniques are used in the unlikely event of an emergency.

Will Scarlet be able to withstand a natural disaster? 

The facility will be designed per American Society for Testing and Materials standards to ensure foundations and infrastructure are designed in accordance with local requirements.

Will the Scarlet Energy Storage facility impact my views? 

The facility is situated in an area with existing public utility uses, with heavy vegetation already in place around the property. The project will maintain as much of the current vegetation as possible on the property to minimize visual impacts. The project also proposes additional vegetation along residences where practicable to maintain a 100'-wide vegetative buffer. As such, the impact on local views will be very limited.