GridStor, a prominent developer and operator of utility-scale battery energy storage systems, has announced the acquisition of a substantial project in Galveston County, Texas. The project, known as the Evelyn Battery Energy Storage project, marks a significant step in addressing the escalating power demands in the state.
Scheduled to commence construction in Summer 2024, the Evelyn project boasts a capacity of up to 450 MW / 900 MWh, with an anticipated on-line date set for Spring 2025. This development comes as the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) forecasts a substantial increase in peak power demand, particularly during extreme weather conditions.
Chris Taylor, CEO of GridStor, emphasized the critical role battery storage plays in meeting Texas' growing energy needs. He highlighted the project's contribution to stabilizing the power system and supporting the state's residents and businesses. The strategic location of the project near the Hidden Lakes substation owned by Texas New Mexico Power (TNMP) ensures quick grid-connected operations.
The Evelyn project is poised to alleviate congestion issues in Houston, thereby enhancing the resilience of the Texas electric grid. With leading suppliers and contractors already engaged in engineering and procurement, the project is expected to provide employment opportunities for approximately 100 skilled tradespeople and apprentices during its construction phase.
John Knight, CEO of Balanced Rock Power, expressed commitment towards fostering clean energy adoption across the United States. He underscored the collaboration with GridStor as a step towards building reliable and affordable energy solutions for a sustainable future. GridStor's acquisition of the Evelyn project aligns with its mission to integrate battery facilities with American power infrastructure, particularly in regions facing higher energy demand and grid instability.
GridStor, backed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, aims to strengthen energy resilience in areas susceptible to unpredictable weather events and aging grid infrastructure. Meanwhile, Balanced Rock Power continues its focus on developing utility-scale solar and energy storage projects to support the transition towards renewable energy across the Western United States.
Source: gridstor.com