Georgetown advances battery storage project to boost solar energy and grid resiliency

During the recent Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee meeting held on March 26, 2025, significant discussions centered around a proposed battery storage project in the Greater Georgetown area. This initiative is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing energy management and sustainability in Delaware.

The battery storage project is expected to have a long lead time, but its potential benefits are substantial. One of the primary advantages highlighted is the ability to integrate battery storage with the existing 7-acre solar farm located outside Georgetown. Currently, this area is restricted from additional solar installations due to limitations in backfeeding energy onto the transmission system. By implementing battery storage, the region could open up to more residential solar installations, thereby increasing renewable energy usage.

Furthermore, the Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC) anticipates that the battery storage system could significantly reduce overall demand costs by approximately $500,000 annually. This reduction is crucial as energy prices tend to rise during peak demand periods. By discharging stored energy during these high-demand times, the cooperative aims to manage costs more effectively.

Another critical aspect of the project is its potential to enhance grid resiliency in the Greater Georgetown area. The battery storage system could help reduce the duration of power outages, particularly during storm restoration efforts, thereby improving service reliability for residents.

The project is currently in development with support from the U.S. Department of Energy, under the bipartisan infrastructure law. The proposed system is designed to be a 2-megawatt capacity with a 4-megawatt hour storage capability, although there are considerations for expanding its size with additional funding from the Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU).

In summary, the discussions during the committee meeting underscored the importance of the battery storage project not only for energy efficiency and cost savings but also for enhancing the resilience of the local power grid. As the project moves forward, it will be essential to monitor its development and the potential impacts on the community and the environment.