How LS Energy Solutions and Volvo Penta Drive Innovation in BESS

As battery technologies keep advancing, so does the role of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in addressing critical energy challenges across various sectors. LS Energy Solutions and Volvo Penta recently unveiled projects and innovations that showcase the flexibility and efficiency of advanced BESS technology. From enhancing grid resilience in Massachusetts to supporting industrial and mobile applications worldwide, these advancements pave the way for a more sustainable energy future.

Powering Wellesley Municipal Light Plant

LS Energy Solutions (LS-ES) partnered with Citizens Energy Corporation to deliver a 4.99 MW/15 MWh BESS for the Wellesley Municipal Light Plant (WMLP)—an electric utility company in Massachusetts. This project, located adjacent to a WMLP substation, is designed to provide cost savings and energy reliability.

The system will generate over $8 million in savings for WMLP ratepayers over 20 years by reducing reliance on expensive peak power. The BESS system stores excess energy during low-demand periods and discharges it during peak demand, significantly lowering electricity costs. Additionally, the BESS provides critical backup power for the town's essential services during grid outages, a feature that LS-ES’s advanced inverters enabled.

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LS-ES representatives with Joe Kennedy III at the project’s ribbon cutting ceremony. Courtesy of LS Energy Solutions.

“Our system solution is ideal for using battery storage to optimize grid energy through peak shaving, lower area electricity costs, and provide a resilient source of backup power,” stated Curt Feldman, Vice President at LS Energy Solutions.

Citizens Energy Corporation praised the project’s success in aligning with Wellesley’s climate action goals to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. “We hope that our Wellesley BESS project will serve as an example for other communities looking for ways to reduce energy bills with reliable backup power,” stated Steve Bern, Director of Business Development at Citizens Energy Corporation.

Volvo Penta: Modular and mobile BESS solutions

Volvo Penta is expanding its footprint in the BESS market by introducing purpose-built battery subsystems that prioritize energy density, durability, and adaptability. These systems are designed to meet diverse energy demands, from supporting microgrids in ports and quarries to providing reliable backup power for data centers and hospitals.

The BESS subsystem features energy-dense battery packs with a battery management system (BMS) to optimize performance, extend battery life, and ensure cybersecurity. Additional components like DC/DC converters and telematics gateways enable seamless integration and real-time monitoring.

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Volvo Penta’s energy-dense BESS subsystems are purpose-built to enable OEMs to build transportable, high-performance BESS solutions. Courtesy of Volvo Penta.

According to Volvo Penta, their solutions are built to endure tough environments with high ingress protection (IP). The subsystem's versatility extends to mobile applications, such as powering operations in remote or no-emissions zones. “With production capabilities established, Volvo Penta is ready to co-develop solutions that address high energy requirements,” stated Melissa Zhuo, PR and Communication Manager at Volvo Penta.

Both LS Energy Solutions and Volvo Penta are setting benchmarks for innovation in BESS technology. Companies developing tailored energy solutions drive cost savings and operational reliability and contribute to the global energy transition.