Ameresco has signed an 80MW grid battery contract consisting of several arrays installed in Colorado.
The agreement for the 78.3MW/313.34MWh of energy storage systems is with United Power, an electric cooperative serving Colorado’s northern Front Range.
The eight battery sites will be strategically located throughout United Power’s service territory, so the cooperative can balance its load effectively while integrating renewables resources into its operations.
They will go into operation in 2024.
“The use of batteries on our distribution network is essential to a resilient and responsive power system, and we are excited to be moving ahead with one of the most aggressive plans for such a system,” said United Power president and chief executive Mark Gabriel.
“These battery arrays will allow us to balance our power needs throughout the day and incorporate local renewables more efficiently.”
Ameresco will provide four 11.75MW and four 7.84MW arrays across eight different substation sites owned by United Power, encompassing Adams, Broomfield, and Weld counties.
These batteries will empower the cooperative to store and dispatch power efficiently during periods of high consumption.
Ameresco senior vice president of solar project development Jon Mancini said: “The inclusion of this expansive asset in Ameresco’s portfolio further underscores the global need for energy storage to bolster clean and sustainable power sources.
“Energy storage plays a crucial role in enhancing grid reliability, optimising renewable energy utilisation, and fostering a resilient and efficient energy future.”