Jupiter Power faces mounting opposition over construction of 800MWh BESS in Massachusetts

According to the application, the project will connect to the grid via the Buck Pond 115kV substation, jointly owned by Eversource Energy and Westfield Gas & Electric (WG&E). Jupiter Power has already secured an interconnection agreement for the project with the New England system operator (queue position 1117).

Jupiter Power hopes to commence construction on the project next year, with commercial operations scheduled for the middle of 2027. However, this timeline is dependent on the approvals process.

Jupiter Power to engage in adjudicatory proceedings

In deciding whether to grant approval to Jupiter Power, the Massachusetts regulator is conducting a comprehensive review of its application, which includes assessing the potential environmental impact of the project alongside a public participation programme.

In more complex disputed cases with high public interest, such as this one, the DPU will conduct a formal hearing whereby interested parties present evidence for or against granting approval of the application.

In order to become an intervenor and present evidence during the hearing process, parties and agencies must be able to demonstrate a substantial interest in the case by outlining how the project will affect them, positively or negatively.

In the case of Streamfield Energy Storage, the DPU has granted intervenor status to officials at the City of Westfield, a Westfield advocacy group called Westfield Residents Advocating For Themselves (WRAFT) and Eversource Energy.

Similarly to a court proceeding, intervenors are able to present written testimony and witnesses, cross-examine and appeal the final decision.

Officials at City of Westfield oppose project

At a 19 December 2024 Council meeting, officials at the City of Westfield enacted a resolution denying Jupiter Power’s rezoning request.

The resolution, which was recently filed with the DPU as evidence, pointed to the project’s close proximity to the Barnes Aquifer that provides drinking water to 60,000 Westfield residents. The council claims that a fire at the Streamfield BESS facility could lead to this water source becoming contaminated.

In comments submitted as part of the hearing process, Mayor McCabe voiced his concerns with the project’s location. Not only does the Mayor believe the project won’t provide “any measurable benefit” to Westfield, but the elected official remained unconvinced about the safety of lithium-ion batteries.

Mayor McCabe also mentioned another Jupiter Power project set to be built elsewhere in Massachusetts, dubbed Trimount BESS, that recently received approval from the DPU. In an effort to create some distance between the two projects and avoid a precedent being set, the Mayor listed the differences between the two projects, focusing on the different siting characteristics.

Unlike the Streamfield project, which is proposed for a greenfield site, the Trimount project will be located at the site of a soon-to-be demolished fossil fuel tank farm previously owned by ExxonMobil.

Local residents also made their voices heard at a recent event held in Westfield hosted by Massachusetts Undersecretary of Environmental Justice & Equity, María Belén Power.

According to local news reports, meeting attendees were left frustrated after questions regarding the Streamfield project were left unanswered. Although the event was held to hear the environmental concerns of local residents, state officials were unable to answer due to legal reasons associated with the DPU hearing process.

Future documents filed as part of the hearing process can be found by searching for docket number 24-151 on the Massachusetts’ Energy and Environmental Affairs website.

Developer Jupiter Power addresses concerns

Dated 26 February 2025, Jupiter Power addressed the concerns of the Mayor and local community in an open letter.

In response to the Mayor, Jupiter Power said that the project would generate over US$1 million in tax revenue for the City. In addition, the developer said it would be willing to enter into some form of tax agreement with the City to guarantee revenue for Westfield for a period of 15 years.

Jupiter Power also explained how the installation of a BESS would benefit the local community, negating the need for more gas-fired peaker plants and avoiding the well-documented health implications associated with the burning of fossil fuels.

The developer outlined its fire mitigation measures and pointed to the fire-prevention systems it would be deploying at the site. Jupiter Power also referenced the BESS Failure Incident Database, which shows “20-30 reported fire events” across the US amongst “thousands” of operational facilities.

Massachusetts Climate Act enacted to streamline permitting process

Developers such as Jupiter Power have historically faced a multitude of challenges when attempting to construct renewable energy projects in Massachusetts, due to the state’s fragmented permitting process and the potential for a lengthy appeals process.

However, during November 2024, Governor Maura Healy approved a set of comprehensive changes to the state’s infrastructure siting and permitting processes through the signing of the Climate Act, Bill S.2967, An Act promoting a clean energy grid, advancing equity, and protecting ratepayers.

In accordance with the new legislation, developers wanting to construct renewable energy projects in Massachusetts will require only a single permit in a process administered by the state’s Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB). From receiving a complete application, the EFSB will have up to 15 months to approve or deny the application, with appeals heading straight to the state Supreme Judicial Court.

Although positive news, the legislation only comes into effect for new applications submitted after 1 July 2026, meaning Jupiter Power’s Streamfield project will be subjected to the existing, more fragmented approvals process.