reLI Staff Had the Opportunity to visit Battery Energy Storage Site!

Exploring the Future of Clean Energy: reLI Staff Tours Microgrid Networks’ Battery Energy Storage System

Touring Microgrid Networks’ Battery Energy Storage System in Brooklyn

Renewable Energy Long Island recently joined other environmental organizations for a tour of Microgrid Networks’ (MGN) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) site, hosted in partnership with Solar One and NY BEST. Located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the site also houses the MGN operations center and is one of the first operational battery storage facilities in New York City.

The project, a 5MW / 20MWh energy storage facility, serves the Con Edison distribution grid and was built on the site of a former used car parts dealer. The facility also features two public EV chargers—each 180kW—the fastest in NYC.

During the tour, participants learned how BESS stores and releases renewable energy, reduces reliance on fossil fuel-burning “Peaker” power plants, and provides localized backup power during outages. The visit also highlighted the community and economic benefits of BESS, including lower electricity costs, infrastructure savings, and support for environmental justice by replacing polluting Peaker plants near vulnerable neighborhoods.

Tours like this provide a hands-on perspective on how innovative energy technologies like BESS are helping build a cleaner, more resilient, and equitable energy system. Renewable Energy Long Island is proud to collaborate with partners and environmental organizations driving the transition to sustainable energy solutions.