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October 24, 2024

Battery energy storage system proposed at Farmington Sports Arena

Contributed A rendering of a Tesla MegaPack.
By Andrew Larson

A national renewable energy company is proposing to install a 0.77-megawatt battery energy storage system behind Farmington Sports Arena at 11 Executive Drive in Farmington.

Valhalla, New York-based RWE Clean Energy is seeking site plan approval from the town's Planning and Zoning Commission. 

Because the project is less than 1 MW, it does not require approval from the state Siting Council.

The battery unit – a Tesla MegaPack 2 XL – would be connected to the Farmington Sports Arena’s electric meter and would charge during periods of peak energy production and dispatch electricity at times of peak demand.

It would be 5-feet wide, 29-feet long and 9-feet high.

In addition to reducing the sports venue’s electricity costs, the battery unit will help improve energy efficiency and contribute to the state’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2040, according to RWE’s presentation to the commission.

The project would be developed in conjunction with the Connecticut Green Bank’s Energy Storage Program, RWE said.

The battery storage system would be remotely monitored 24/7 and could be shut down remotely. Also, the town's emergency departments would receive training before the system goes online.

The unit would have security features and be enclosed by a locked chain link fence. 

RWE has installed more than 50 battery storage projects across the United States and Canada.

Farmington Sports Arena, located on 24 acres off Route 6, contains a 130,000-square-foot indoor soccer facility along with an outdoor complex.

RWE presented its proposal to the Planning and Zoning Commission Monday night.

Commissioners asked if there is a potential for cooling system leaks.

A project manager for RWE said the Tesla MegaPack is a closed loop containment system and there is no potential for leaks.

The battery’s life is 10 to 20 years. After that, it would be sent back to Tesla as part of the company’s free recycling program.

Construction of the battery would take three to four months, according to RWE.

The commission tabled the site plan application to its next meeting on Nov. 13.

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