Lincoln paper mill site could become world’s largest multi-day energy storage facility

LINCOLN, Maine (WABI) – The old paper mill site in Lincoln could become home to the world’s largest multi-day energy storage facility.

Gov. Janet Mills, Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced Tuesday the Department of Energy has awarded a nearly $150 million grant to support the project.

The project would be the first of its kind in New England, and the largest long-duration energy storage project in the world to date.

The governor and Maine’s delegation say the energy storage system will strengthen the regional electric grid and optimize the delivery of renewable energy.

Power Up New England and partner Form Energy will deploy an iron-air technology battery system that is capable of discharging energy for just over four days.

”It looks like our initial conversations were very favorable because they have stated very clearly in this press release that they intend to locate at the Innovation Park. We have no signed leases at the moment. So, right now, I would say this is notification to us that those conversations will begin, and hopefully will be successful, and have this project become a reality,” said Ruth Birtz, economic development administrator, Town of Lincoln.

The award is part of a nearly $400 million regional grant to New England through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

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