The first 4MW of energy storage capacity started offering frequency regulation services in the PJM Interconnection market on 11 September 2013 while the balance of the 20MW is expected to be commissioned until full capacity is reached in the second quarter of 2014.
Beacon said the flywheel project is an ideal resource to help the PJM Interconnection balance power supply and demand cost-effectively.
The flywheels in the facility will store excess energy which may be wasted and uses it back when there is an energy shortfall.
The facility will correct imbalances more than twice as efficiently as traditional generators and consumes no new fuel, produces no emissions, and does not not use any hazardous materials or water.
Beacon Power president and CEO Barry Brits said the start of commercial operation at Hazle facility is a milestone for the company.
"This project has also been strongly supported and made possible by the U.S. Department of Energy, state and local officials, and the work of Pennsylvania subcontractors, for which we are very grateful," Brits said.
