DESRI and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) have finalised a long-term power purchase agreement for the Dry Creek Energy Storage BESS project – a 160MW/640MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Sacramento County.
The system is strategically located at the former Rancho Seco generating station, where existing transmission infrastructure minimises the need for costly upgrades. It will be charged with renewable and other clean energy sources from SMUD’s grid, bolstering grid reliability and advancing the transition to sustainable power.
“Our DESRI team is proud to bring this reliable, cost-effective clean energy storage project to the California energy system, an exciting new addition to our partnership with SMUD over many years,” said DESRI chief development officer, Hy Martin. “This project will play a critical role in helping SMUD to maintain and enhance grid reliability, optimise performance of their renewable energy assets and contribute to their decarbonisation goals.”
SMUD and DESRI have collaborated on the BESS project for several years, with a shared vision to accelerate decarbonisation and grid resilience.
“This battery storage project represents another significant milestone in SMUD’s Zero Carbon Plan as we work toward carbon-free electricity by 2030,” said SMUD chief zero carbon officer, Lora Anguay. “By enhancing our existing renewable infrastructure at Rancho Seco with battery technology, we’re building a more flexible and reliable grid while enabling a more efficient integration of renewable energy.”
Image: Rancho Seco’s energy infrastructure includes a 160-megawatt solar facility. Credit: SMUD
