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The U.S. Department of Energy selected the Power Up New England proposal, submitted by six New England states, to receive $389 million in federal funding through the Grid Innovation Program. The funding will support upgrades to transmission infrastructure in Southeastern Massachusetts and Connecticut to connect up to 4,800 megawatts of offshore wind energy to the regional grid. The project aims to enhance grid reliability and reduce consumer costs by integrating renewable energy sources.

Form Energy will deploy an 85 MW/8,500 MWh multi-day battery storage system in Lincoln, Maine, capable of providing carbon-free electricity for up to 100 hours. This system will improve grid resilience, particularly during prolonged cold weather, and support the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources. The battery storage project is a key component of the Power Up New England initiative to modernize the region’s power infrastructure.

The Power Up New England program includes a Community Benefits Plan, allocating over $18 million to disadvantaged communities through job creation, workforce training, and scholarships. Nearly 500 high-quality jobs are expected to be created, with more than $9 million dedicated to internships and educational opportunities. The plan prioritizes equitable access to clean energy benefits and economic opportunities across the region.

The funding is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s $10.5 billion Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program, designed to modernize the U.S. power grid. The selected projects will catalyze nearly $10 billion in public and private investment, improving grid reliability, affordability, and resilience while supporting union jobs and climate goals across New England.