BESS systems planned at four California power plants

Ameresco, a renewable energy asset developer, has secured an order for four battery energy storage design/build project contracts totaling 379 MWH with Middle River Power at California gas power plants.

The company said the installation of these large-scale energy storage systems will enhance the efficiency of MRP’s natural gas power plants, leading to emission reduction and the provision of needed resource adequacy capacity to the California power grid. The four energy storage projects are in support California’s efforts to achieve the 100% renewable energy goal by 2045.

Ameresco, a renewable energy asset developer, has secured an order for four battery energy storage design/build project contracts totaling 379MWH with Middle River Power at California gas power plants. (Image: Ameresco)

MRP currently operates 10 natural gas-fired power plants across the country, eight of which are based in California. The organization has 12 additional projects in active development and has completed two development projects in California that include a utility grid-scale solar plus storage project and standalone storage project co-located with a geothermal facility.

“We’re thrilled to work with Ameresco to bring these innovative projects to fruition, integrating additional renewable energy while enhancing a resilient grid. The energy storage assets allow for the shifting of solar energy from the middle of the day to supply the grid during evening peak hours, while maintaining our natural gas facilities as a flexible, reliable backstop,” said Mark Kubow, CEO of Middle River Power. “We are excited to introduce our first tranche of projects that takes such a meaningful step in helping California in the transition to more renewable resources.”

The work is expected to kick off in Summer 2023 and reach completion in Q3 of 2024.