Jupiter Power lithium battery project in Westfield canceled over eco concerns
WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A developer for the proposed lithium battery energy storage facility in Westfield has decided to pull back on the project.
This update was announced during a news conference held by the city's mayor outside City Hall.
This decision is bringing relief to the community as many were concerned about the potential environmental and health impacts this facility could've brought. The Texas-based company Jupiter Power was looking to construct a lithium battery energy storage facility over the Barnes aquifer.
This is the sole source of water for Westfield and the surrounding neighborhoods. There was also concern about long-burning lithium fires at the site, releasing harmful chemicals into the air. And in the last few months, the mayor and other state lawmakers were activeLy working with Jupiter Power for them to reconsider their proposal.
Mayor Michael McCabe expressed gratitude for the developer's willingness to withdraw and listen to the community's concerns and reassess their plans. 'The protection of our city's natural resources should be paramount in all of our decision-making processes. And to that end, we are very pleased with this development,' says McCabe.
While the company believed the facility would bring economic and resiliency benefits, they decided to focus their efforts on other projects. In a statement to 22News, Jupiter Power explained they've got a wide range of projects in development and must carefully decide which ones to invest in and move forward with.
It is still unclear as to what's next for the property.
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
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