Bronx Community Leaders Hail Nearly 20-Megawatt Battery Storage Facility as Environmental Justice Turning Point

A battery energy storage system capable of delivering nearly 20 megawatts to the Hunts Point community in the Bronx, enough to power nearly 20,000 homes during peak grid hours — was celebrated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 24, 2026, per an announcement issued the following day.

Hunts Point Site to Power Nearly 20,000 Homes During Peak Grid Hours

Developed by NineDot Energy, which is described as the leading developer of community battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the New York City metro area, the facility is the company's largest energy storage site to date and is expected to be fully operational in time for next summer's heat waves.

For those who spoke at the event, the project represents something larger than a single installation. Hunts Point has historically been overburdened by high-emitting fossil fuels, according to Adam Cohen, NineDot's Chief Technology Officer and co-founder.

"We're honored to bring this battery storage site to the Hunts Point community," Cohen said. "This battery storage facility marks an inflection point in improving the local environment and grid resiliency."

Borough President Reflects on Four Years of Battery Storage Growth

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson drew a direct line between the Hunts Point site and the company's origins in the borough. "More than four years ago, I joined NineDot and the community to cut the ribbon at the company's first site, and I am happy to be here once again as we celebrate the future of battery energy storage in our borough," she said. Gibson characterized the ribbon-cutting as a meaningful investment in the future of Hunts Point.

"For too long, this community has been disproportionately affected by environmental injustice and disinvestment," Gibson said. "By delivering nearly 20 megawatts of clean, reliable power, NineDot Energy is helping ensure that Hunts Point has the resilient infrastructure it needs and deserves."

Lawmaker Frames Storage as Foundation for Retiring Peaker Plants

New York State Assembly Member Amanda Septimo (District 84, The Bronx) laid out the policy case for the technology, saying battery storage is foundational to delivering environmental justice. According to Septimo, it is key to retiring peaker plants, allows for the electrification of polluting sources like diesel refrigerators and trucks, and ensures reliable power on hot summer days. "Along the way, batteries will help reduce future costs to ratepayers by avoiding expensive utility upgrades," Septimo said. "All of these benefits are positive for the residents and businesses in Hunts Point."

Community Development Corporation Looks to a Street-Side Mural

The POINT CDC, described by its President and COO Maria Torres as the leading local organization dedicated to youth development and the cultural and economic revitalization of the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx, joined the celebration.

"As the leading local organization dedicated to youth development and the cultural and economic revitalization of the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx, we are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with NineDot, supportive elected officials and agencies," Torres said.

Torres added that the organization looks forward to creating the mural that will adorn the project's street side, and to experiencing the benefits of the zero-emissions energy and improved grid resiliency provided by the site in the coming years.

Workforce Training Extends to Five CTE High Schools

Beyond the environmental and grid benefits, New York City Council Member Justin Sanchez (District 17, The Bronx) highlighted workforce training that NineDot is engaged in. According to Sanchez, that work includes the creation and execution of solar and storage engineering training curriculum at five CTE high schools, including at Co-op Tech. Further details of Sanchez's remarks are not available, as the source text of the announcement is truncated at this point.

Officials From Across Government Attend Ceremony

The event drew representatives from state and city agencies and community organizations alike. Attendees included David Sandbank, SVP of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA); Giacomo Landi, Executive VP of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYC EDC); John Rhodes, Chief Program Officer of the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS); and Lauren Phillips, Senior Advisor at the NYC Mayor's Office of Climate & Environmental Justice (MOCEJ).

Community advocates were represented by Maria Reyes, an NYC Climate Justice Hub advocate, while NineDot was present through both of its co-founders, Cohen, Chief Technology Officer, and David Arfin, Chief Executive Officer.

The announcement positioned the facility as both an environmental improvement for a historically overburdened neighborhood and a contribution to the resiliency of the local electrical grid, with participation from across levels of government, state, borough, city, and council, reflecting the range of stakeholders involved in bringing the storage system to the South Bronx industrial waterfront community.