Pearl Storage

Energy Storage Facility | Forked River, NJ

The Pearl Storage facility will use safe, reliable energy storage technology deployed by Flatiron Energy to ensure power is delivered to local homes and businesses during peak demand periods.

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Worker in hard hat pointing toward electrical transmission towers.

Project Overview

Pearl Storage is a battery energy storage system currently in the [development stage] by Flatiron Energy in Forked River, NJ. Upon completion, the Pearl Storage facility will be capable of storing up to 100 MWh of energy and will provide reliable electricity to local homes and businesses during periods of high demand. The facility is anticipated to begin operations in Q4 2028.

Power capacity — 100 MW

This is the system’s maximum power output at any given time.

1 megawatt (MW) = 1,000,000 watts.

Real-world example:

100 MW of power would light up 1 million 100-watt light bulbs.

Energy capacity — 400 MWh

This is the maximum amount of energy the system can store.

1 MW of power sustained for an hour = 1 MWh.

Real-world example:

400 MWh is enough energy to power around 20,000 New Jersey households for a month.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration: “How much electricity does an American home use?”, 2024

Project Renderings

Community Impact

Community benefits

Pearl Storage will deliver significant environmental, economic, and infrastructure benefits to the Forked River of Lancey Township and the broader New Jersey region throughout the project’s development, construction, and operation.

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During construction, the project is expected to generate over $4.7 million in new local earnings, create around 35 local jobs, and contribute more than $790 thousand in local tax revenue over its lifetime. In addition, the project will establish a Host Community Agreement with the Forked River of Lacey Township to ensure sustained,  long-term community benefits.

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Environmental impact

Battery storage is key to enhancing grid dependability. Pearl Storage will store and distribute power generated by solar, wind, and other energy sources, making it more accessible when it’s needed most.

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Community resilience

Energy storage benefits residents by improving the reliability of the power grid. Batteries provide safe, reliable energy to residents, reducing the risk of blackouts and the need for more expensive energy generation.

Utility worker in safety vest using a tablet near power lines.

Why Forked river?

Aerial view of a coastal city with a bridge over the water.

Supporting local reliability and resilience

Forked River sits at a critical intersection of regional energy demand and growing climate pressures. The Pearl Storage site is located adjacent to a key portion of Jersey Central Power & Light (JCPL)’s transmission system, enabling efficient interconnection.

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As New Jersey experiences more frequent extreme weather events and increased strain on its electrical system, grid reliability and resilience have become essential to protecting residents, businesses, and municipal services. Strategic energy infrastructure investments in Lancey Township help ensure a stable, dependable power supply while supporting the state’s transition to a cleaner energy future.

Brick power plant building with people gathered outside.

Clean Energy Focus

This project will strengthen New Jersey’s electric grid by providing flexible capacity to support renewable energy integration and reduce reliance on older, more expensive fossil-fuel–based generation during peak demand. In addition to contributing to long-term emissions reductions, the project will deliver local benefits, including increased tax revenue, temporary construction jobs, and infrastructure investment.

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By prioritizing safety, environmental stewardship, and community compatibility, the project reflects aforward-looking approach to meeting energy needs while supporting Forked River and New Jersey’s long-term economic and environmental goals.

Battery energy storage system cabinets outside.

Energy Storage Explained

Battery energy storage systems (BESS)

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) provide reliable energy by storing surplus electricity for use when demand increases. The result is cleaner air, reduced pollution, and more affordable energy. Battery storage is a critical component of New Jersey’s clean energy strategy. It supports the state’s goal of deploying1,000 MW of energy storage by 2030 to meet emissions-reduction and grid-reliability targets.

Aligning energy demand with renewable supply

Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind generate electricity intermittently, and energy demand often does not align with peak renewable production. Battery storage helps balance this mismatch by absorbing excess generation.

Saving energy for when it’s needed most

Batteries capture and store energy produced by renewables and other sources so it can be used later. Without storage, excess clean energy that is not immediately consumed would otherwise be lost.

Reliable energy when demand peaks

During periods of peak demand, batteries release stored energy back onto the grid, helping prevent blackouts and reduce grid instability. Battery systems also provide essential grid services throughout the day, improving overall system reliability and resilience.

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Source: New Jersey Energy Storage Analysis (ESA) – Final Report” (2019)  Prepared by Rutgers University for the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities under the Clean Energy Act of 2018.

Construction Schedule

Q3 2026

Project permitting

Ongoing

Annual performance reviews

Q3 2027

Construction commences

Q4 2028

Target operations date

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Contact

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