East Point Energy, a wholly owned Equinor company, has completed construction and begun commercial operations at Citrus Flatts, a 100 MW/200 MWh battery storage facility in Harlingen, Texas.
The project marks Equinor’s fifth battery storage facility
to enter commercial production in four years and East Point Energy’s second
operational project, following the 10 MW/20 MWh Sunset Ridge facility, which
started operations last year.
Together, the two Texas projects can provide enough
electricity to power about 30,000 homes for up to two hours within the ERCOT
power market.
“The start-up of these facilities underscores Equinor’s
ambition to grow its integrated power business, delivering flexible and
reliable energy solutions in attractive power markets,” said Christian Lie
Hansen, Equinor vice president of onshore renewables Americas and chair of the
East Point Energy board.
Citrus Flatts and Sunset Ridge will operate on a fully
merchant basis in ERCOT, supported by Equinor’s integrated power-market
strategy and collaboration with Danske Commodities on operations, asset
management and portfolio optimization.
Battery storage is increasingly important for grid stability
and energy security, allowing excess electricity to be stored and released
during periods of peak demand.
Texas, the largest US oil and gas and renewable energy
state, is expanding wind and solar generation, increasing demand for flexible
storage capacity.
“This project will generate millions in tax revenue to
support local priorities. As energy demand surges across Texas, it will
strengthen the electrical grid and help keep energy costs affordable for
families and businesses,” said Andrew Foukal, CEO of East Point Energy.
Equinor is also developing four battery storage projects in Virginia’s PJM power market, totaling 80 MW/160 MWh, with commercial operations expected in early 2027. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service