Battery Storage for Fossil-Fueled Peaker Plant Replacement: A Maine Case Study

Executive Summary:

Energy storage, primarily lithium-ion batteries, serves peak grid demand and offsets fossil-fueled "peaker" plants. State decarbonization goals and equity concerns highlight issues with peaker plants, often located in low-income and underserved areas. These plants emit harmful pollutants impacting both the environment and human health. The Maine’s Governor Energy Office aims to transition to cleaner energy, targeting 300 MW storage by 2025.

In collaboration with Clean Energy States Alliance, Strategen Consulting evaluates in “Battery Storage for Fossil-Fueled Peaker Plant Replacement: A Main Case Study” whether existing peaker plants in Maine could be replaced by battery energy storage systems focusing on cost-effectiveness. The analysis examines emissions impacts, offering insights into societal costs. This report was submitted to the Maine Governor’s Energy Office as stakeholder input to help inform Maine’s development of a 200-megawatt utility-scale energy storage procurement program. By adopting the report's recommendations for peaker replacement, Maine can not only take a significant step toward meeting its energy storage targets but also demonstrate itself as a state leader for a resilient, sustainable, and economical clean energy future.

Authors:

Eliasid Animas, Sergio Dueñas, and Jaide Lin

Clean Energy States Alliance Contributing Editors:

Todd Olinsky-Paul and Olivia Tym

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