Viridi Replaces New York Municipal Diesel Generator with Battery

Why It Matters

The switch cuts operational costs and greenhouse‑gas emissions while boosting reliability for critical public‑health infrastructure, signaling broader municipal adoption of clean backup power.

Key Takeaways

• 150‑kWh BESS replaces diesel at Erie County pump
• Backup power lasts 32‑90 hours depending on demand
• Eliminates fuel use, cuts emissions and maintenance costs
• Real‑time monitoring reduces truck rolls and downtime
• Model for 100 similar pump stations regionally

Pulse Analysis

Municipal wastewater facilities have long relied on diesel generators for emergency power, a practice that incurs fuel costs, regular maintenance, and significant greenhouse‑gas emissions. As cities pursue climate‑resilient strategies, battery energy storage systems (BESS) emerge as a cleaner alternative that can deliver instant power without the logistical burden of fuel deliveries. The transition also aligns with broader grid‑modernization efforts, allowing utilities to integrate stored renewable energy and improve overall system reliability during outages. These systems also reduce noise pollution, improving community livability.

Viridi’s 150‑kWh RPSLink BESS, installed at Erie County Sewer District No. 2 in Hamburg, New York, replaces a legacy diesel generator and provides 32 to 90 hours of backup power depending on pump load. The system’s modular, IP55‑rated containers deliver near‑instantaneous start‑up, eliminating fuel handling and reducing emissions by an estimated 15 tonnes per year. Integrated real‑time monitoring alerts operators to performance anomalies, cutting truck rolls and maintenance labor. Early observations indicate lower operating expenses and heightened resilience, positioning the site as a template for the county’s roughly 100 similar pump stations. The installation was completed within six weeks, minimizing disruption.

The Erie County deployment signals a growing appetite among municipalities for battery‑backed resilience solutions that dovetail with state climate mandates and funding incentives. By demonstrating cost savings, emissions reductions, and operational reliability, the project can accelerate BESS adoption across the nation’s aging water and wastewater infrastructure. Vendors like Viridi are likely to see increased demand for scalable, pre‑engineered storage kits, while utilities may partner to provide grid services such as demand response, creating new revenue streams and further justifying the capital outlay. Cities can leverage federal resilience grants to offset upfront costs.