NYPA seeks to replace gas peaker plants with battery storage

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is requesting proposals to replace its small power, or ‘peaker’ plants with bulk-scale battery storage projects.

The request for proposal (RFP) comes after a joint study with the PEAK Coalition and other clean energy advocates demonstrated that the New York City-located gas peaker plants could transition to 4-hour duration battery storage if certain conditions are met by 2030.

This would accelerate NYPA’s goal to decarbonise by 2035 and the state’s goal of a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040.

Study researchers examined energy forecasts of changes in the New York electric supply mix, as well as changes in demand over the next two decades.

Peaker plants operate when utilities face high demand for short durations.

The study noted based on historical output levels, the frequency and duration of NYPA’s peaker plant run-times would make full replacement with battery storage impossible. However, by 2030, with more renewable development predicted throughout New York, the frequency and duration of the plants’ run-times are projected to decline, allowing for the possibility of full replacement with 4-hour battery storage at each individual site.

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Retiring these peaker plants would also present an opportunity to eliminate nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from combustion.

“It is critical that the findings of our study are put into practice and realised as soon as possible for the long-term health and environment of New York, especially those living in frontline communities,” PEAK Coalition said in a statement.

The coalition and NYPA said further studies would be needed to assess resiliency and reliability impacts at the plant level, as well as capacity requirements required by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) and Con Edison, the utility that provides direct energy services to New York City residents.

Both added additional analysis would need to ensure any envisioned retrofit, replacement or retirement does not result in an increase in carbon emissions or other criteria pollutants from less efficient fossil-fired power plants in NYC.

In 2001, NYPA installed peaker plants at six locations in New York City and one on Long Island. They operate infrequently, NYPA noted—roughly 10% of the time, in recent years, when directed to do so to meet energy demands.

The NYPA and PEAK Coalition full study can be accessed online.

As for the RFP process, NYPA said bids are due May 24, 2022 with potential awards announced July 1, 2022.

This story was originally published by Kevin Clark on Renewable Energy World.