According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), in 2022, the main source of power generation in Texas was natural gas (48.7%), followed by wind (21.8%) and coal (16.2%). That year, Texas generated nearly 525,563 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity, resulting in the emission of approximately 213 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), 157,025 metric tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 126,396 metric tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2).
The transition to a low-carbon, and eventually zero-carbon grid, provides challenges and opportunities as increasing amounts of renewable energy are incorporated into the electric system. One of the main challenges is the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar. Grid operators must have the capability to regulate and maximize the efficient use of electricity in the grid from both baseload and intermittent sources. One of the simplest and most efficient solutions is the implementation of energy storage systems.
Battery storage systems help smooth out the delivery of intermittent resources, such as wind and solar, by storing energy and delivering it when demand increases. They also help prevent emissions by reducing the need for fossil-fuel power plants to regulate constant changes in energy supply and demand. As the energy supply mix becomes cleaner with low- and no-carbon resources, energy storage will help integrate that supply mix into the grid more easily and reliably.
The project consists of the design and construction of a portfolio of seven standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS), with a total capacity of 180 megawatts of alternating current (MWAC). In addition to the BESS, the project includes the construction of a substation to receive and store power delivered from the grid, a 200-foot transmission line to interconnect the project to the grid and an energy management system to monitor, operate and track the BESS remotely, as well as document the performance of the system.
The electricity generated and products (ancillary services) enabled by the BESS will be sold in the wholesale electricity market operated by Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).
The project will help increase energy storage capacity in the Texas grid, which will allow the system operator to manage the grid more efficiently by reducing the use of ramp-up/ramp-down fossil-fuel power generating plants, as well as energy losses resulting from mismatches in supply and demand. Likewise, it will support the transition to a greener, more sustainable grid by helping integrate electricity generated by intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind. The project is expected to store up to 69,367 MWh of energy a year, which is equivalent to serving up to 36,754 households. As a result, the project will displace the emission of an estimated 28,154 metric tons/year of CO2, 16 metric tons/year of NOx and 22 metric tons/year of SO2. The electricity stored and delivered annually by the BESS will be equivalent to serving up to 36,754 households.