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

Large-scale battery storage systems like Cross Town benefit the local electrical grid by providing resiliency and flexibility from a non-emitting capacity resource. Moving toward 80% renewable energy in the State by 2030 will require balancing resources like Cross Town that can quickly adapt to evolving grid conditions over time.

How did you choose the project location for Cross Town?

The electric grid in southeast Maine is experiencing energy capacity and transmission system changes with the transition to renewable energy. The Cross Town Energy Storage Project is strategically located in close proximity to the transmission lines that deliver electricity to the population centers in Southern Maine and Boston, Massachusetts. As a result, Cross Town is optimally sited to ease current and future transmission congestion and provide energy reliability. 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, and proximity to critical transmission infrastructure such as the pivotal Moshers substation.

What is the impact of Cross Town on my electric utility bill?

We have no access to analysis of the 2021 ISO New England-wide capacity solicitation on local ratepayers in Gorham at this time.

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

The Cross Town 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, Cross Town will be augmented with supplemental battery storage units in the future. At the end of the project’s operating life, Cross Town is required to remove the battery system and restore the land to pre-existing conditions. Because many of the battery components contain valuable minerals and technology to recycle those components continues to advance, newly emerging American recyclers claim that 93 percent or more of battery materials are recyclable. The remaining components of the battery energy storage system will be disposed of in compliance with local, state and federal regulations.

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

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) has been performed which did not identify any environmental issues on the parcel. The Cross Town site has been previously unused, and there are no known cultural or archaeological features within the Cross Town footprint. Impacts to wetlands on the parcel of land have been minimized by careful site design and a mitigation fee will be paid for impacts that cannot be avoided.

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

Safety is paramount to Plus Power and its Cross Town project. Several measures are being taken to ensure reliable and safe operation of the system. From a technology perspective, Cross Town will utilize best-in-class lithium ion 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. Plus Power has engaged directly with the Gorham Fire Department and will ensure fire code compliance as we are required by our approval from the Town of Gorham. In addition, the Plus Power team will ensure that first responders receive proper training to handle a battery storage related incident in case a rare and unlikely emergency event occurs during the operation of the project.

Will Cross Town be able to withstand a natural disaster?

The Cross Town site is located between approximately 115 and 220 feet above sea level and outside of mapped flood areas. It will deploy equipment designed to withstand extreme Maine winter weather and summer heat. The equipment installed will be designed to withstand extreme weather events by providing back up electricity when traditional electrical infrastructure does not have the capacity to do so.

Will the Cross Town project impact my views?

Cross Town is ideally situated near an existing substation, away from densely populated areas. See the below rendering, representing a view of the project and the surrounding area.