Major Battery Storage Project to Enhance ERCOT Grid in San Antonio, Texas
In a major step towards enhancing energy security in Texas, a partnership has been established between OCI Energy, CPS Energy, and LG Energy Solution Vertech to develop the Alamo City Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in San Antonio. This ambitious initiative, recently formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), is poised to provide significant advantages during peak demand periods in the ERCOT grid, which serves millions of Texans.
The Alamo City BESS project will have a storage capacity of 120 MW and 480 MWh, demonstrating a commitment to meet the increasing energy needs of the region while also advancing sustainability goals. With the dramatic growth in population and energy consumption in San Antonio, this battery storage solution is vital to ensure that the city's energy demands are met reliably.
Situated in Bexar County, this facility is not just a technological advancement but also a considerable addition to Texas’s overall battery storage capacity, which has been steadily increasing to ensure a sustainable energy future for the state. The collaboration was solidified during a ceremony held in Seoul, South Korea, underscoring the international effort to promote energy innovation.
Under the terms of the MOU, LG Energy Solution Vertech will supply the cutting-edge battering storage technology alongside energy management systems to OCI Energy. In its role as the project developer, OCI Energy will be tasked with overseeing the development, financing, construction, and operation of the facility, while CPS Energy will secure a purchase agreement for the energy storage capacity created by this project.
Sabah Bayatli, President of OCI Energy, expressed enthusiasm regarding this collaboration, stating that it reflects a mutual commitment to energy innovation that will lead to enhanced security for the customers of CPS Energy. He emphasized the importance of international partnerships in advancing critical energy infrastructure and delivering affordable power options to the community.
Jaehong Park, President and CEO of LG Energy Solution Vertech, also highlighted the strategic importance of the Alamo City BESS in stabilizing the Texas power grid. By integrating advanced lithium-ion battery technology into the energy system, the project aims to contribute positively to the overall functionality and reliability of the grid across the state.
Rudy D. Garza, President and CEO of CPS Energy, noted that the ongoing exponential growth in San Antonio necessitates innovative solutions to boost energy capacity. The collaborative efforts behind the Alamo City BESS promise a brighter future as they strive to meet the energy demands of an expanding community.
Expected to reach commercial operation by 2027, this significant project exemplifies the convergence of technology and sustainable practices, establishing a model for future energy projects not just in Texas, but across the United States. OCI Energy, a leading developer in utility-scale solar and battery projects, has set ambitious goals, aiming for 10 GW of targeted renewable energy capacity by 2028. With communities increasingly looking to transition to sustainable energy sources, initiatives like the Alamo City BESS will play a crucial role in shaping an energy landscape that is reliable, sustainable, and responsive to future demands.
By investing in such projects, OCI Energy, CPS Energy, and LG Energy Solution Vertech have collectively taken a significant stride towards a more sustainable and secure energy future in Texas, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing clean energy transition.