Aspen Area Business Center completes 1.5 megawatt battery energy storage system

The Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held a work session on May 20, 2025, focusing on the Aspen Area Business Center (AABC) and its newly installed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This project, initiated in response to the 2018 Lake Christine Fire, aims to enhance energy resilience in the region.

The BESS, located near the Aspen Snow Dump, has a capacity of 1.5 megawatts and can store up to 3.6 megawatt-hours of energy. The project has progressed through various phases since its inception, including feasibility studies and construction, which took place from April to November 2024. The system is now fully operational, with ongoing commissioning efforts.

Key stakeholders, including Holy Cross Energy and local government funds, have contributed to the project’s financing. The BESS is designed to support local public facilities during emergencies by creating a microgrid that can operate independently from the main power grid. In normal conditions, the system will function as a distributed energy resource, drawing power from the grid.

During the meeting, officials discussed the operational aspects of the BESS, including maintenance agreements and the potential for Holy Cross to utilize the stored energy during peak demand periods. The system is expected to provide approximately 2.5 hours of power at full capacity, with plans for future expansions to increase its output.

The discussion highlighted the importance of this project in improving energy resilience and sustainability in Pitkin County, particularly in light of past emergencies. The BOCC emphasized the need for continued collaboration with partners to explore further enhancements and funding opportunities for the facility.