The World’s Largest Electricity Storage System Will Be Built in Rural Maine

Until the latter part of the 20^th century, logging was one of the biggest industries in Maine.

For over a century, the heartiest of men had made their living felling trees in the deep Maine woods.  Those trees would then be transported to mills around the state, where they would be turned into usable lumber, paper, and other products.

Unfortunately, as the world has changed, we have seen the forestry industry in Maine change.

Over the last few decades, some of the state’s biggest mills have decreased operations or closed.

It now looks like one of those mills will soon be getting a new lease on life.

The Lincoln Pulp and Paper Mill

According to an article on the WCSH 6 website, a new energy storage facility will be built at the Lincoln Technology Park, the site of the former Lincoln Pulp & Paper Mill.

The United States Department of Energy has awarded a $147 million grant to build the world’s largest energy storage system in Lincoln.  The project will be developed by Form Energy, a Massachusetts-based renewable energy company.

The energy storage project is part of a much larger $389 million initiative meant to strengthen the power grid and advance the use of clean energy throughout New England.

What is an Energy Storage Facility?

Basically, it is a massive battery system.  If something were to happen to Maine’s power grid, this backup system would kick in to prevent the grid from failing.  It’s like a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for the entire state.

As we rely more on unpredictable renewable energy sources, systems like these will become vital.  If, for some reason, we have a few days where there is a lack of sunshine or wind, it could make the 2020s start to feel like the 1820s.

The Lincoln facility will have 85 megawatts of storage.  According to a Maine Morning Star article, this could keep the state powered for up to four days in a catastrophic situation.

There is no word on when construction on the project will start or when the battery system will be operational.

The Economy in Lincoln, Maine

In addition to helping strengthen New England’s power grid, the project could give the area’s economy a big boost.

When the mill closed in 2015, the remaining 150 workers were laid off.  This was a serious blow for the rural Maine town.

This project will give the area’s economy a big boost.  Not only will it mean new jobs, but it will also lead to visitors spending money at restaurants, shops, hotels, and more.

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