Image: SRP
A Tesla Megapack project is breaking ground in Arizona as part of a large-scale SRP battery energy storage power plant. The project will be the largest in the state and is capable of powering more than 56,000 average-sized homes for four hours.
Representatives from the Salt River Project (SRP), Plus Power LLC, and the City of Avondale attended the groundbreaking ceremony to begin construction of the Sierra Estrella Energy Storage. It will become the largest off-grid battery plant in Arizona once it is connected to the grid. The facility will store up to 250 MW/1 GWh and will supply SRP customers during periods of peak electricity demand. After construction is completed, the facility should be put into operation by the summer of 2024.
“This facility will have enough stored energy to power more than 56,000 average size homes for a four-hour period,” said Grant Smedley, director of resource planning at SRP, according to PV Magazine. “Battery storage can help provide energy to the grid when other resources may not be available and is part of SRP’s overarching strategy to meet rising energy demand while reducing carbon emissions.”
The storage facility is being designed and built by Houston-based Plus Power, a supplier of battery-powered energy storage systems. Plus Power designed the Sierra Estrella to use Tesla's lithium-ion batteries—Megapack.
“Avondale is proud to partner with SRP and Plus Power to welcome the Sierra Estrella Energy Storage facility which will be a valuable asset to our community for decades to come,” said Veronica Malone, Avondale councilmember. “The project will provide necessary power to the region with no onsite air polluting emissions, will incorporate the latest safety standards, and has been designed with thorough planning and preparation.”
© 2023, Eva Fox | Tesmanian. All rights reserved.
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About the Author
Eva Fox
Eva Fox joined Tesmanian in 2019 to cover breaking news as an automotive journalist. The main topics that she covers are clean energy and electric vehicles. As a journalist, Eva is specialized in Tesla and topics related to the work and development of the company.
