Beacon Power Corp. and Hazle Township will receive a $5 million state grant to assist with the completion of a $53 million energy storage plant in the Humboldt Industrial Park, two state legislators said.
"This project presents many great opportunities for this region," said Sen. John Yudichak, D-14, Nanticoke, who announced the grant Wednesday in a joint press release with state Rep. Tarah Toohil, R-116, Butler Township.
Yudichak said the project will enhance clean energy efforts in Pennsylvania and provide an economic boost to the area with the potential to create 57 new jobs.
The $5 million state grant was secured through the state's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. Toohil said the program's goal is to provide long-term investment in businesses that will boost the economy and create jobs.
"I look forward to the immediate construction jobs that will be created as this project begins," she said.
The plant would utilize Beacon flywheel energy storage technology to provide an essential grid-stabilizing service known as frequency regulation.
Through use of this clean, emission-free system, Beacon estimates the facility could save Pennsylvania consumers an estimated $3.5 million to $4.5 million in annual electricity costs for 20 years.
"There are clear economic and performance benefits associated with bringing flywheel energy storage to Pennsylvania's power grid, but more importantly this project will also create good jobs for the state," said Bill Capp, Beacon Power president and CEO. "We're very grateful to Senator Yudichak and Representative Toohil for their leadership and support in making this grant possible. We look forward to breaking ground on our Hazle Township flywheel plant later this year."
Kevin O'Donnell, President of CAN DO Inc., the area's industrial development organization, said he is pleased to welcome Beacon to Humboldt.
"The project is an energy security technology that will provide clean electricity storage within the PJM grid and strengthen grid stability for the manufacturing sector," O'Donnell said. "We are happy to be only the second area in the United States where such an innovative and clean energy technology is being deployed