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

Large scale battery storage systems like Aragon benefit the local electrical grid by providing resiliency and reducing energy volatility on the grid.

How did you choose the project location for Aragon?

The Southeast U.S. electric grids are experiencing dramatic energy capacity and transmission system changes needed to support increasing electricity demand. The Aragon energy storage project will help provide replacement capacity for Georgia Power at a critically important point in the utility’s transmission system. Moreover, Aragon is optimally sited to ease 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, topography, and proximity to critical transmission infrastructure such as the pivotal Portland Substation.

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

The Aragon 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, Aragon will be augmented with supplemental battery storage units in the future. At the end of the project’s operating life, Aragon is required to remove the battery system and restore the land to pre-existing conditions. Because the battery components contain valuable minerals, the system will be shipped away for recycling and salvage value.

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

Safety is paramount to Plus Power and its Aragon project. Several measures are being taken to ensure reliable and safe operation of the system. From a technology perspective, Aragon 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 to maintain system stability. Three nearby town fire departments will be engaged in safety management discussions, and the Plus Power team will ensure there is significant collaboration and training with first responders in order to guarantee proper techniques are used in the unlikely event of an emergency.

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

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment has been performed and it did not identify any environmental issues. The Aragon site has been previously unused, and there are no known cultural or archaeological features within the Aragon footprint. Impacts to wetlands on the parcel of land will be avoided.

Will the Aragon project impact my views?

Aragon Energy Storage is ideally situated within an area near an existing substation, away from densely populated areas and screened by natural features on multiple sides.