WALTHAM, Mass. — Global Partners LP and Enel X, the advanced energy services arm of the Enel Group, have partnered on a microgrid to ensure the Alltown Fresh convenience store in Ayer, Mass., will now be more resilient in the event of a local power outage.
- Global Parnters LP is No. 26 on CSP’s 2022 Top 40 update to the 2021 Top 202 ranking of c-store chains by store count. Watch for the full 2022 Top 202 ranking in the June issue of CSP magazine and in CSP Daily News.
The microgrid will offer onsite generated power to Alltown Fresh Ayer by integrating solar panels on the canopy, a battery storage unit and a portable generator connection, all designed, built, operated and financed by Boston-based Enel X. To support EV drivers, Enel X installed a universally compatible JuicePump 50kW, which can charge vehicles up to 80% battery capacity in 30 to 60 minutes.
“The increasing frequency and impact of extreme weather events underscore the need for far more sustainable and resilient power, especially for critical infrastructure,” said Surya Panditi, head of Enel X North America. “However, solar energy paired with battery storage is not only valuable during emergencies. The Alltown Fresh microgrid is attractive to EV [electric vehicle] drivers who want to power their vehicles with renewable energy, and it’s valuable to businesses to support the local grid by decreasing overall demand and reducing emissions while reducing costs.”
The microgrid is the first project to be completed under InnovateMass’ Resilient Service Stations Challenge, which seeks to ensure continuous power for service stations near evacuation routes across the state.
Enel X also partnered with National Grid under the EV Make Ready Program to upgrade the grid to support EV charging, power for the service station, and interconnection of the distributed energy resources co-located behind the same meter. This is expected to be the first commercial deployment of its kind, demonstrating the efficient use of utility incentives.
“As we explore the future of energy stations and convenience, we’re focused on three things: customer experience, resilience and embracing EV charging and other renewable fuels,” says Mark Cosenza, senior vice president of Global Partners.
Enel X’s microgrid is modular and scalable. Enel X offers a flexible financing solution bundling all microgrid assets to support businesses in resiliency efforts. The customer pays a flat rate for the solar power generated, receives a share of the energy storage asset’s financial benefits and keeps the EV charging revenues.
With approximately 1,700 locations primarily in the Northeast, Waltham, Mass.-based Global Partners is one of the region’s largest independent owners, suppliers and operators of gasoline stations and convenience stores. Global also owns, controls or has access to one of the largest terminal networks in New England and New York, through which it distributes gasoline, distillates, residual oil and renewable fuels to wholesalers, retailers and commercial customers.
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