Recurrent Energy, subsidiary of Canadian Solar, has announced that the 300MW/1200MWh Papago battery energy storage system (BESS) in the US has reached commercial operation.
The BESS, which is on a 60-acre site in Arizona in Maricopa County, is the first of three projects to go live with Arizona Public Service (APS), the state’s largest public utility. A Tolling agreement is in place for 20 years.
Altogether, the three BESS projects will provide 1,800MWh of battery storage capacity and 150MWac of solar generation when completed.
The projects are expected to store and deliver electricity to serve the equivalent of 72,000 homes for four hours, along with solar generation capacity to support approximately 24,000 homes annually.
Canadian Solar’s majority-owned subsidiary, e-STORAGE, was the turnkey engineering, procurement and construction provider for the project and is said to continue to support the BESS under a long-term service agreement.
Ismael Guerrero, CEO of Recurrent Energy, said, “The commissioning of Papago Storage marks a major milestone in our collaboration with APS to strengthen Arizona’s energy infrastructure. We’re proud to deliver flexible capacity that meets the state’s growing energy needs and grateful for APS’s continued partnership. As we begin operations, we remain committed to building long-term value for the local community and our partners.”
Derek Seaman, director of resource acquisition at APS, said, “Summer is here, and we are ready to serve APS customers with the energy they need when they need it. The Papago Storage project is part of our diverse and balanced energy mix, helping us continue to provide Arizona with top-tier reliability and affordable service.”
Image: Ribbon-cutting ceremony at the 300MW/1200MWh Papago BESS project in Arizona. Credit: Recurrent Energy.
