Trusted Partners SRP and EDP Renewables to Propel Energy Demand with Novel Energy Storage System

Marking another leap in the renewable energy sector, Salt River Project (SRP) and Flatland Storage LLC, an offspring of EDP Renewables North America LLC, have inked a deal to deliver 200 megawatts (MW) of fresh energy storage for Arizona's power grid.

The energy storage initiative, christened the Flatland Energy Storage Project, is projected to be a 200 MW, 800 megawatt-hour battery energy storage behemoth located near Coolidge, Arizona. This American-born energy storage technological marvel, utilizing locally designed and constructed lithium-ion battery technology provided by Tesla, is expected to be operational by 2025. With the capacity to energize up to 45,000 homes for four hours during periods of heightened electricity demand, this venture is bound to revolutionize energy consumption patterns. Equally impressive is its ability to gobble up surplus energy during slack demand periods and store it for use during peak demand hours. Notably, the Flatland Energy Storage Project is poised to conserve over 169 million gallons of water per year when compared to conventional energy dispatched to the grid.

"The Flatland Energy Storage Project is a vital cog in SRP's machination to decarbonize our portfolio and augment the renewable energy delivered to our customers," enthused Bobby Olsen, SRP's Associate General Manager alongside Chief Planning, Strategy, and Sustainability Executive. He saw this project as a crucial solution to address the escalating energy demand sparked by the rapid expansion of one of our nation's fastest-growing locales."

Economic Gains and Energy Security

The Flatland Energy Storage Project brings more than just sustainable energy; it's set to cascade booming economic benefits to the local regional economy. With a hefty capital investment surpassing $271 million, an additional $7 million in tax payments to local governments, plus millions committed to boosting local small businesses throughout the project's lifetime, this enterprise spells prosperity. Beyond delivering 60 construction jobs and two enduring operations positions, the project cements Arizona's national energy security, contributing to a diversified domestic power supply and enhancing the energy portfolio of the entire United States.

Flatland marks SRP's second cooperation project with EDPR NA, following the Brittlebush Solar Park that offers 200 MW of solar energy to SRP clientele. The strategic location of the Flatland Energy Storage Project within the Brittlebush Solar Park enables optimal energy storage – from the grid or the solar facility—aligning the output with periods of peak customer demand.

"With its standout position as the most substantial utility-scale storage project in the EDP Group's global portfolio, we're thrilled to combine forces with SRP," Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO of EDP Renewables North America, affirms. She recognized storage as a linchpin in revamping the US power grid and an accelerator in adopting renewable energy while enhancing grid reliability and resilience.

SRP's Renewed Commitment to Carbon Emission Reduction

Being an early adopter of battery storage technology, SRP leverages it to cater to burgeoning peak demand, coupled with firm resources like adaptable natural gas to ensure stable, economical power to its customers.

SRP further amplifies its commitment to lowering carbon intensity, pledging to slash it by 82% from its 2005 levels by 2035 and aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

To maintain pace with the escalating energy demand in the Phoenix metropolitan area, SRP's Integrated System Plan reveals the urgency to duplicate its power system's generating resources over the next decade. This comes in line with the planned retirement of 1,300 MW of coal resources.

A testament to SRP's commitment is approximately 1,300 MW of storage and almost 3,000 megawatts of carbon-free resources already serving the customers. Plus, there is a substantive amount of solar energy and energy storage capacity still under development. All these efforts collectively will render nearly 50% of SRP's energy generation carbon-free by 2028.