EDP Renewables North America (EDP) and Arizona utility Salt River Project (SRP) have completed a 200MW/800MWh battery energy storage system in Coolidge, Arizona, marking the largest battery project in the EDP Group’s global portfolio.
The four-hour-duration Flatland Energy Storage facility, located in Pinal County, is designed to provide electricity during periods of peak demand and has enough capacity to supply the equivalent of around 44,500 homes. The project forms part of SRP’s strategy to expand energy storage resources as electricity demand continues to increase in Arizona.
Sandhya Ganapathy, chief executive officer of EDP Renewables North America, said: “Energy storage plays a critical role in maintaining a reliable and resilient electric grid, especially as demand continues to grow. Projects like Flatland Energy Storage ensure power is available when it’s needed most, while also delivering meaningful, long-term benefits to the communities that host them.”
Bobby Olsen, associate general manager and chief power system executive at SRP, said: “Flatland Energy Storage is part of SRP’s all-of-the above approach to providing reliable, affordable and sustainable power to our customers. SRP will continue to invest in battery energy storage resources as part of its growing resource portfolio.”
Co-located with EDP and SRP’s solar park
The project was first announced in late 2024 and uses US-manufactured Tesla lithium-ion battery technology. It is located alongside the 200MW Brittlebush Solar Park, another project developed jointly by EDP and SRP, allowing stored energy to be dispatched when customer demand is highest.
According to the companies, the project will generate more than $20 million in local and regional economic benefits over its operating life, including approximately $19.2 million in revenues supporting schools, roads and emergency services. Construction supported around 142 jobs.
Jon Thompson, mayor of Coolidge, said: “Flatland Energy Storage is a welcome investment in the City of Coolidge, strengthening essential services and supporting our community’s continued growth.”
Craig McFarland, president and chief executive officer of Pinal Partnership, added: “Meeting Arizona’s growing energy demand is critical to sustaining economic development and attracting future large-scale investment to our region. EDP Renewables’ Flatland Energy Storage project bolsters the region’s commitment to responsible growth and reflects strong coordination with community stakeholders, consistent with Pinal Partnership’s all-of-the-above approach to powering our county’s future.”
EDPR NA currently has around 600MW of operating solar and storage capacity in Arizona and says it has more than 460MW of energy storage projects either operating or under construction worldwide.
Photo: Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, a historic ruin built by Hohokam people in the 13th century in Coolidge, Arizona AZ
Credit: Wangkun Jia/Shutterstock
