Smart energy storage company Viridi has announced the deployment of its lithium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS ) at a municipal wastewater pumping station in Erie County, marking a shift away from diesel‑based backup systems.
The BESS is a 150kWh RPSLink battery energy storage system (BESS) offering 32-90 hours of backup power, real–time remote monitoring, zero‑emission operation and reduced maintenance demands, according to the company. Their ‘fail‑safe’ products have undergone the UL9540A unit-level test- which proves the ability to prevent thermal runaway.
Viridi has completed the installation at a wastewater pumping station in Erie County Sewer District No. 2 in the Town of Hamburg, New York. The project demonstrates how clean, resilient energy technology can replace traditional diesel generators at scale while improving reliability for essential municipal services.
Wastewater pumping stations are fundamental to public health, yet many still rely on diesel units that require costly testing, fuel conditioning and regular servicing despite being used infrequently. Annual maintenance for a single generator can reach $5,000 to $10,000, and high inrush currents often force municipalities to oversize equipment.
Viridi’s RPSLink system should provide a safer and more sustainable alternative. Delivering up to 90 hours of dependable backup power depending on pump demand, the BESS ensures continuous operation during outages without the emissions, fuel dependency or maintenance burden associated with diesel.
Angela M. Horton, P.E., Senior Sanitary Engineer for Erie County Division of Sewerage Management, said: “By replacing the outdated diesel generator with a Viridi battery energy storage system, we eliminate fuel dependency, expect reductions in maintenance costs, and achieve near-instant backup power– and dovetails neatly with Erie County’s ongoing climate and energy goals.”
With remote monitoring and automated alerts, the system reduces site visits and enhances operational resilience. With nearly 100 similar pump stations across the region, the deployment is expected to serve as a model for wider adoption.
