As the energy transition accelerates, institutions are seeking flexible, low-emission alternatives to traditional diesel generators, especially for temporary or event-based power needs. Mobile battery energy storage systems (MBESS) are emerging as one of the most promising solutions, offering transportable, clean, quiet, and reliable power wherever it’s needed. Last November, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) announced a collaboration with EPRI and Cornell University to assess a mobile battery energy storage system capable of powering campus-wide events with zero emissions and improved operational flexibility.
Temporary power has historically relied on diesel generators, which, while effective, can be loud, emissions-intensive, and raise air quality concerns. Mobile battery energy storage systems have gained attention in recent years as versatile options for temporary power needs, especially in areas with limited access to power. These compact, movable units can deliver energy for off-grid activities, emergency support, or short-term grid needs, all while avoiding the environmental and logistical issues associated with combustion-based systems.
Technology Built for Safety and Flexibility
Cornell’s demonstration, “Charging Forward: Cornell’s Mobile Battery Demonstration,” marked the university’s debut of the MBESS unit for campus events, showcasing how electrified temporary power can enhance the student and community experience while advancing broader sustainability goals.
The mobile system used in the demonstration, manufactured by Viridi based on its RPS150 model, can deliver 30 kW for roughly 5 hours. Fully mobile, the unit can be transported to an event location to power lighting, catering operations, audiovisual equipment, or other short-duration power needs. When not in use, the MBESS can be recharged and stored on campus, ready for rapid deployment during events or emergency response.
This flexibility is especially valuable during severe weather or grid disruptions, when quick access to temporary power sources can improve safety, reliability, and operational continuity. Demonstrating the technology on a college campus offered a unique opportunity to test its performance in a real-world setting and explore its capabilities through collaboration among academic, industry, and state partners.
Collaboration Driving Scalable Innovation
NYPA funded the initiative, Cornell led the installation of the charging infrastructure, and the team conducted site acceptance testing, working closely with Cornell’s Atkinson Center for Sustainability and Facilities and Campus Services, which provided ground coordination and institutional expertise. EPRI and NYPA are jointly documenting the technical, operational, and logistical steps required to acquire, deploy, and manage the MBESS – knowledge that can inform utilities, campuses, and municipalities interested in adopting similar systems. Meanwhile, Cornell faculty and students are examining broader sustainability impacts and exploring how MBESS could reduce emissions for large institutions cost-effectively and replace diesel generators across a range of campus activities.
On college campuses, MBESS offers an alternative to portable diesel generators, which are typically used to power commencements, reunions, athletic events, and other energy-intensive activities. By using stored electricity rather than on-site portable combustion generation, MBESS units eliminate emissions and significantly reduce noise. The system is also able to operate for several hours without being charged again or needing maintenance, further reducing environmental and logistical impacts.
Beyond campus events, the system’s portable design opens doors to other applications, including emergency response support and temporary power in remote locations. These capabilities contribute to broader goals of strengthening resilience and demonstrate practical pathways for reducing emissions from short-duration, mobile power needs.
The insights from this demonstration will inform broader adoption of mobile energy storage technologies across the state and beyond. Evaluating how the MBESS performs across multiple real-world scenarios will help utilities, universities, and communities better understand where mobile energy storage can deliver the greatest value. As innovation continues, projects like this offer a glimpse of a future where temporary power is more flexible and resilient – supporting reliability today while helping build a more sustainable energy landscape for tomorrow.