With 8 out of 20 MW now connected to the New York State grid, Beacon Power has officially begun operation of their flywheel energy storage system in Stephentown, New York. The system consists of carbon fiber flywheels that spin that store grid energy by spinning at Mach 2 speeds. The stored energy is then capable of being transmitted back into the grid to buffer disturbances without burning fossil fuels.
The system is scheduled to be fully operational this spring.