It looks like we might be getting closer.
Solar? Don't make me laugh.
Nuclear? Don't make me laugh, and then puke!
First 20 MW Plant - Construction
The world's first grid-scale, flywheel-based energy storage plant is being built in Stephentown, New York. When completed, the 20 MW plant will operate continuously, storing and returning energy to the grid to provide approximately 10% of New York's overall frequency regulation needs. More information on the frequency regulation service and how Beacon Power flywheels provide it can be found here.
August 2010 - Construction activity in Stephentown continues to proceed smoothly with significant portions of the plant's infrastructure and electronics now in place. The project remains on schedule for commissioning 4 MW of flywheel regulation capacity in Q4 2010.
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About Flywheel Energy Storage
Flywheel energy storage works by accelerating a cylindrical assembly called a rotor (flywheel) to a very high speed and maintaining the energy in the system as rotational energy. The energy is converted back by slowing down the flywheel. The flywheel system itself is a kinetic, or mechanical battery, spinning at very high speeds to store energy that is instantly available when needed.
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Every Cub Scout learns about flywheels. I'm glad the energy industry is finally catching up. Imagine what could happen if the industry started trying to earn a Webelos Badge.Who We Are
Beacon Power is a global leader in the development and commercialization of flywheel-based energy storage solutions for grid-scale frequency regulation services and other utility-scale and unitary energy storage applications. Our goal is to use our environmentally sound flywheel technology to deliver superior performance at lower cost, and generate long-term value for our Company, our stakeholders, and society. With today's urgent need for clean energy solutions that do not burn fossil fuel, Beacon Power is well positioned to provide sustainable solutions for a broad range of energy-balancing applications in multiple global markets.
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