In this episode of OneDER Cast, Linda Tatlow, Director at NineDot Energy, takes us inside the ambitious world of deploying community-scale batteries in New York City. NineDot focuses on developing battery storage systems that support the grid in densely populated urban areas, where space is limited and renewable energy solutions like large solar farms aren't generally feasible. Linda shares how NineDot has carved out a niche in clean energy by addressing the city's energy needs with innovative battery projects that can be seamlessly integrated into the tight urban landscape, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and provide more stable, reliable energy to local communities.

Linda also emphasizes the strategic role of community-scale batteries in replacing the need for highly polluting peaker plants, which are used during times of peak energy demand. By charging batteries overnight when energy is cheaper and cleaner, and discharging them during the city's busiest hours, NineDot's solutions help reduce strain on the grid while making it more sustainable. This transition is particularly important in New York City, where space constraints limit the use of large renewable projects, but smaller, efficient battery deployments can make a significant impact.

As puzzle lovers at heart, NineDot embraces complex challenges. Linda discusses the hurdles the company has faced navigating New York’s complex permitting processes, collaborating with community stakeholders, and working with local organizations.

One standout example is NineDot’s Bronx project, where NineDot deployed a 3 MW / 12MWh community-scale battery system on a site previously used for storage. While developing the project, NineDot proactively involved the community from the start, providing education about the initiative, addressing their questions, and gathering valuable feedback. NineDot also worked with a nearby middle school to support a STEM after-school program and collaborated with the nonprofit ArtBridge, which brings public art to industrial sites, to create a mural that now decorates the battery site.

The episode offers a fascinating glimpse into how NineDot is driving New York City's clean energy future by blending cutting-edge technology with meaningful community involvement, all while tackling the unique challenges of urban energy storage.

Learn more about NineDot Energy here --> https://nine.energy/

Learn more about ArtBridge here --> https://art-bridge.org/

To try the NineDot puzzle go here --> https://www.permadi.com/fpcgi/9dots/

Learn more about about NY's 6 GW Energy Storage Roadmap here --> NY's 6 GW Energy Storage Roadmap