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 to show that batteries using zinc-manganese technology are better and safer than lithium-ion batteries for large scale storage of electricity. The U.S. Department of Energy is funding $6.5 million of the $13.1 million cost of the demonstration projects.
The 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 Valhalla and also at the campus of SUNY Oneonta. The zinc-manganese batteries are described as not being vulnerable to overheating and catching fire in the same way as are lithium-ion batteries.
UEP is commercializing its alkaline zinc manganese dioxide battery technology, which it compares with the safety and reliability of alkaline batteries commonly used around the house.
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. These projects are set to enhance the resilience of New York’s electrical grid and demonstrate the critical contribution of zinc batteries towards a sustainable energy landscape.”
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “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.”
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.”
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.”
Daniel Brooks, a vice president at EPRI, said, “EPRI has long been at the forefront of battery energy storage safety research and efforts to provide reliable, resilient energy to consumers. We’re looking forward to participating in this project, working with collaborators on efforts to provide reliable power during instances of extreme weather and high demand.”
Construction of the battery facilities is expected to begin in 2026 and they are expected to become operational in 2028.
The selected projects also are part of the DOE’s plan to reduce energy storage costs by 90% while demonstrating the potential for creating long-term, high-quality jobs in clean energy manufacturing, installation and maintenance.
UEP’s zinc manganese dioxide batteries are expected to show comparable performance to lithium-ion batteries without the inherent safety and supply chain issues. They have been successfully demonstrated in small-scale electricity storage installations.
