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Boston-based Longroad Energy will present plans for a 250-megawatt battery storage facility on 17 acres at the former Lucia Lumber property in Agawam. Public meetings are scheduled for Monday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Agawam Senior Center.

The facility aims to provide power for 285,000 homes. The Agawam City Council enacted an ordinance to ensure stringent safety standards, including individual fire-suppression systems for each battery. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with operations starting in 2029.

The project is one of several proposed in the Pioneer Valley, raising concerns about fire and water contamination among neighbors. Other developments include a proposal by New Leaf Energy and ongoing projects in Westfield and West Springfield. Developers are responding to increased interest in energy storage solutions, as cities cannot ban such facilities outright under state regulations.