VHB joined project partners, local officials, and community members on October 23 to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Taft Energy Storage Facility, a major step toward advancing clean energy reliability and resiliency in Massachusetts. Developed by Flatiron Energy, the project represents one of the Commonwealth’s largest battery energy storage systems (BESS) to date. VHB has supported the project with geomatics, site/civil engineering, noise, environmental, permitting and construction phase services, helping guide it from siting and assessment through approval and construction readiness.
Located along an existing transmission corridor on a previously underutilized industrial parcel, Project Taft will provide 200 megawatts (MW) of power capacity and 800 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy capacity when complete. This large-scale storage capability will allow the facility to deliver enough electricity to power approximately 40,000 Massachusetts homes for a month, helping balance fluctuations in renewable generation and reducing the need for fossil-fueled peaker plants.
“Taft is a testament to how thoughtful design, innovative technology, and community collaboration can come together to advance both sustainability and reliability,” said Annie Gorman, Senior Project Engineer Land Engineering. “VHB is proud to have partnered with Flatiron Energy to help bring this transformative project to life.”
Advancing Clean Energy and Local Opportunity
Battery energy storage is a vital component of a resilient, renewables-based energy grid. Taft will store electricity when supply exceeds demand and release it during peak usage periods, improving grid stability while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The project also supports Massachusetts’ progress toward its statewide net-zero emissions targets.
Construction of the facility is now underway, beginning with site preparation and blasting this fall. Up to 30 on-site construction jobs will be supported during the build phase, with a commitment to hiring local workers whenever possible. The project’s containerized and modular design minimizes environmental impacts while maximizing operational efficiency. Full commissioning is expected by December 2026.
Honoring a Local Legacy
Project Taft is named in honor of Lydia Chapin Taft, widely recognized as the first woman voter in the United States, who cast her historic ballot in Uxbridge in 1756. Her name reflects the project’s connection to Uxbridge’s history of civic leadership and innovation.
Learn more about VHB’s work supporting energy projects in New England and beyond.
