EsVolta, a developer of utility-scale energy storage, is making significant strides with three new battery storage projects in Texas, contributing a total of 490 MW/980 MWh to the state’s energy grid. The projects involve lithium-ion battery systems, including the 150 MW/300 MWh Desert Willow project located in Midlothian and the 100 MW/200 MWh Burksol project in Dickens County. Both are expected to begin operations this quarter, according to Randolph Mann, the president and CEO of esVolta.
Additionally, a third project, the 240 MW/480 MWh Anole project in Seagoville, is set to launch in the following months, as shared by Mann in a recent email.
These initiatives are supported by $243 million in funding, sourced through a preferred equity investment from Captona and the sale of investment tax credits. This financial backing is crucial for providing much-needed reliable and clean energy resources to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) power grid.
The launch of these projects aligns with a broader trend in the ERCOT market, where energy storage development is witnessing robust growth. ERCOT anticipates having approximately 9,889 MW of storage capacity by March. This is a notable increase from the expected 4,700 MW recorded one year prior.
According to Mann, the favorable conditions within Texas—rising electricity demand, a dynamic wholesale market, and a growing reliance on solar and wind energy—make it an attractive location for storage investments. EsVolta’s projects will engage in the ERCOT wholesale market and have secured a hedge with a confidential commodity market participant, ensuring stability.
The company is advancing a significant portfolio, with about 25 GW of storage projects in development across the United States, including important projects like the 250 MW Marmot Hills and the 125 MW Holly Oaks in California.
In July 2022, Generate Capital acquired esVolta, a move that Mann believes will aid the company’s efforts to expand within the battery storage sector, particularly as demand continues to rise from utilities and other clients nationwide.