Overview
Cox Battery Energy Storage is a 1.2 MW pumped hydro storage facility in Springfield, Missouri, operated by City Utilities of Springfield. It supports grid stability and peak shaving for the local community.
Cox Battery Energy Storage is a pumped hydro storage facility located in Springfield, Missouri, United States. With a capacity of 1.2 MW, it is a small-scale energy storage system that plays a role in local grid management. The facility is owned and operated by City Utilities of Springfield, a municipal utility serving the region. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes standards such as NFPA 855 for energy storage system safety and UL 9540/UL 9540A for battery safety testing. While pumped hydro storage is a mature technology, the integration of modern control systems allows for efficient energy management. The small scale of this facility aligns with typical community-level storage projects in the Midwest. Environmentally, the facility contributes to grid reliability by providing peak shaving and frequency response services. Its location in Springfield, away from densely populated areas, reduces potential thermal runaway risks associated with battery storage. The facility supports the integration of renewable energy sources and enhances the resilience of the local power grid.
Environmental context
The facility is situated in Springfield, Missouri, a region with a temperate climate and moderate population density. For energy storage systems, key environmental considerations include thermal runaway risk, particularly for lithium-ion chemistries, though pumped hydro storage has lower inherent risk. Siting near populated areas is a factor, but this facility's location in a less dense area mitigates concerns. The grid interconnection role focuses on peak shaving and frequency response, supporting renewable energy integration and reducing reliance on fossil fuel peaker plants.
Frequently asked questions
Cox Battery Energy Storage is located in Springfield, Missouri, United States.
The facility has a capacity of 1.2 MW, making it a small-scale pumped hydro storage system.
The facility is owned and operated by City Utilities of Springfield, a municipal utility in Missouri.
In the US, energy storage facilities must comply with NFPA 855 for safety, and battery systems often require UL 9540 and UL 9540A testing for thermal runaway mitigation.
Pumped hydro storage provides grid services such as peak shaving, frequency regulation, and renewable energy integration by storing excess energy and releasing it during high demand.