December 27, 2025
In Medway, most of us first learned of Battery Energy Storage Systems in 2021 when Able Grid proposed to build a large site on the Milford end of Route 109. After our failed attempts at stopping the construction of a Peaker Plant in Medway, the BESS project had the familiar feel of a freight train – that no matter what residents wanted, this project was going to be built.
In 2024, a second BESS project is proposed on Route 126 (Bellingham side) which also seems unstoppable.
Table of Contents
What is a BESS?
Battery storage is a technology that enables power system operators and utilities to store energy for later use. A battery energy storage system (BESS) is an electrochemical device that charges (or collects energy) from the grid or a power plant and then discharges that energy at a later time to provide electricity or other grid services when needed. Several battery chemistries are available or under investigation for grid-scale applications, including lithium-ion, lead-acid, redox flow, and molten salt (including sodium-based chemistries). (*1)
The main objection many residents have is that the facility is too close to residents.
In August 2022, Medway Grid, LLC filed a petition with the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board to construct a 250MW/500 MWh stand-alone Battery Energy Storage Facility, including a new electric substation, on 10.6 acres of land at 49, 53, and 55 Milford Street. The project will also include a 345kV underground transmission line interconnection to Eversource Energy’s existing West Medway station.
The 109 BESS construction has begun. There has been a lot of discussion about the sound wall design.
Key Events in Medway
- May 6, 2021 – Local BESS webinar organized by State Representative Jeffrey Roy
A battery energy storage system (BESS) is being proposed in Medway and questions have been raised about what it is, where it will be, and whether it is safe. The program, featuring five experts in the fields of energy and environment, provides a primer on BES technology and its role in the fight against climate change. The panel includes:- Dwayne Breger, the Director of the UMass Clean Energy Extension;
- Elizabeth Turnbull Henry, President of the Environmental League of Massachusetts;
- Coleen O’Brien, General Manager of the Reading Municipal Light Department;
- Matt Paiss – Technical Advisor, Battery Materials & Systems, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory;
- Kavita Ravi, Senior Director at BlueWave Solar.
- May 2021 Town Meeting Vote
Town Meeting voted to direct the Planning and Economic Development Board to conduct a review and study of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and to engage the services of consultants and other experts as may be necessary to provide information on all aspects of the operation, safety, security and technology of such systems, including the economic impact of a BESS facility if located in the Town of Medway, with a report to be completed by October 15, 2021 of the Board’s findings and recommendations, to include but not be limited to, consideration to potential amendments to the Zoning By-Law. - November 2021 Town Meeting Vote
The November 15, 2021 Town Meeting voted to establish a moratorium (until 6-30-2023) on the establishment of battery energy storage facilities in Medway’s Energy Resource zoning district. - February 16, 2022 Best Practices for Medway’s Battery Energy Storage Systems
Arup, the Town’s BESS consultant, gave a presentation on Best Practices for Medway’s Battery Energy Storage Systems. - May 20, 2022 BESS Siting Guidelines
Arup, the Town’s BESS consultant, provided a set of guidelines for siting battery energy storage systems. To View the Siting Guidelines report. - August 2022 – petition with the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board
Medway Grid, LLC has filed a petition with the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board to construct a 250MW/500 MWh stand-alone Battery Energy Storage Facility, including a new electric substation, on 10.6 acres of land at 49, 53, and 55 Milford Street. The project will also include a 345kV underground transmission line interconnection to Eversource Energy’s existing West Medway station. Read the petition, along with attachments and related documents.
Along with the peition, Medway Grid, LLC has also filed a Chapter 40a Filing with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, requesting an exemption from the operation of the Town of Medway Zoning Bylaws. Read the materials for the Chapter 40a filing. - DPW Forum?
- DPW Approval?
- Siting Board Approval?