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Erie County Pilots Battery Backup to Replace Diesel at Hamburg Wastewater Pump Station

County officials expect lower costs, reduced emissions, faster backup during outages.

Overview

  • Viridi installed a 150 kWh RPSLink battery energy storage system at Erie County Sewer District No. 2 in Hamburg, replacing an outdated diesel generator.
  • The company reports 32–90 hours of backup capability based on pump demand, providing near-instant power during outages.
  • Erie County engineers say the switch should eliminate fuel dependency, cut maintenance needs, and improve reliability for critical wastewater operations.
  • The system includes real-time remote monitoring and automated alerts intended to reduce site visits and speed issue detection.
  • Officials and Viridi frame the pilot as a regional model for nearly 100 similar pump stations, with diesel upkeep previously estimated at $5,000–$10,000 per unit annually.