Eolian Energy (Eolian) a U.S based independent power producer and renewable energy firm, has started construction of a 200 MW, 5.3-hour battery energy storage system (BESS) project named The Flint Grid, in Jersey Township, Licking County, Ohio, near data center and industrial loads in New Albany. The project is expected to enter commercial operation before the 2027–2028 PJM capacity year.
According to a press release, The Flint Grid project has a storage capacity of 1.06 GWh and is the first large-scale battery energy storage system to qualify for the PJM capacity market. It is also the largest battery storage project to clear PJM’s 2027/28 Residual Capacity Auction, accounting for more than half of the new battery storage capacity procured for that capacity year.
Aaron Zubaty, Founder and CEO, Eolian, commented America’s power demand and infrastructure development by saying, “There’s growing consternation about how the US can rapidly scale infrastructure to support America’s growing electricity demand, but not nearly enough conversation about how to use existing technology to unlock the wasted capacity that already exists on the grid.”
Zubaty continues, “As policymakers consider changes to competitive electricity markets, it’s critical that they avoid undermining the long-term investments already underway that will make better use of existing transmission infrastructure and that creates a bridge to further long-term supply expansion.”
The project is the first grid-scale battery energy storage system approved by the Ohio Power Siting Board. It is also the largest battery storage system currently under construction in Ohio and across the PJM footprint.
The system will provide additional flexibility to the grid and help manage changes in electricity supply and demand, including growing demand from data centers. Eolian is also engaging with grid operators, regulators and industry groups on the development of battery storage market rules, including bidding protocols, capacity accreditation and participation in wholesale electricity markets.