Valhalla Campus Selected as Site for Battery Storage Demonstration Projects

In an effort to determine if batteries using zinc-manganese technology are better and safer than lithium-ion batteries for large scale storage of electricity, New York Power Authority, headquartered in White Plains, along with Urban Electric Power (UEP), which is based in Pearl River and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) are planning to establish demonstration projects in Westchester County and at the campus of SUNY Oneonta.

Westchester County’s Grasslands Reservation in Valhalla has been selected as one of two sites in New York state where demonstration projects will be set up. The U.S. Department of Energy is funding $6.5 million of the $13.1 million cost of the demonstration projects. The zinc-manganese batteries are described as not being vulnerable to overheating and catching fire in the same way as are lithium-ion batteries.

In announcing the demonstration projects, Gov. Kathy Hochul said, “Energy storage that ensures a safe and reliable power supply is critical to New York’s clean energy future. We will validate new technologies and illustrate how grid storage can be safely and effectively integrated into communities throughout the state.”

“By hosting this project at Grasslands Reservation, Westchester County is taking a step toward safer and cleaner energy. This cutting-edge long-duration storage initiative exemplifies our commitment to renewable resources. Teaming up with the Power Authority, Urban Electric Power, and EPRI, we’re advancing innovation, ensuring reliable power and reinforcing our dedication to environmental progress,” said Westchester County Executive George Latimer. 

The BCW’s Clean Energy Action Coalition has been taking a leadership role in the ongoing energy debate and will be educating communities on all the new clean energy renewable opportunities, like battery storage, to help build Westchester’s renewable energy system.

UEP’s CEO Sanjoy Banerjee said, “It’s an honor to provide the energy storage solution for these groundbreaking projects. As the demand for long duration energy storage grows, UEP’s innovative zinc-manganese technology stands out as a cost-effective and safe alternative.”

According to New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll, “The Power Authority is invested in pursuing the development of the technology needed that will support the integration of renewable generation while also ensuring that power is available during peak demand periods. This cutting-edge, long-duration energy storage project seeks to demonstrate a safer clean energy technology.”

Construction of the battery facilities is expected to begin in 2026 and they are expected to become operational in 2028.