Resilient Service Station: Environment + Energy Leader’s Top Project of the Year

ANDOVER, MA – July 19, 2023 – Enel North America has been awarded Environment + Energy Leader’s (E+E Leader) Top Project of the Year for its innovative microgrid project at an Alltown Fresh located on an evacuation route in Ayer, Massachusetts. The E+E Leader Awards program recognizes excellence in projects that deliver significant energy and environmental benefits and improve the bottom line for organizations. Designed and developed by Enel in partnership with Global Partners LP, the microgrid enables the Alltown Fresh site to continue serving customers through emergency events, power outages and grid disruptions, while also reducing its annual energy costs. The win marks Enel’s fourth Top Project Award from E+E Leader since 2020.

“We are thrilled to be recognized by Environment + Energy Leader for our role in making Alltown Fresh more resilient, efficient, and sustainable. Enel is committed to advancing the clean energy economy, and this project is a great example of how we leverage our wide range of offerings and expertise to help companies achieve their sustainability goals, while also improving their bottom line.”
— Joel Obillo, Head of Sales and Marketing for Enel North America

The project incorporates several distributed energy resources (DERs), all integrated behind one meter, providing the Alltown Fresh service station with added efficiency, sustainability, and resiliency. An 87 kW rooftop solar system provides power for the facility, while the 87 kW / 174 kWh battery storage unit and a portable generator connection act as backup power sources during outages. The microgrid’s battery is used to peak shave during times of high demand, supporting the local grid and reducing the site’s yearly energy costs. It also includes a 50 kW DC fast charging EV station which can charge vehicles up to 80% battery capacity in 30-60 minutes.

The microgrid was the first project completed through InnovateMass’ Resilient Service Stations Challenge, which seeks to ensure continuous power for service stations near evacuation routes across the state during emergencies.

“This year’s entrants had to surpass an exceptionally high bar to qualify for an award, thanks to a seasoned and discerning judging panel as well as stringent judging criteria.”
— Sarah Roberts, Co-President of E+E Leader