By Breanna Sandridge, Senior Editor, EnergyTech
Renewable energy developer Ameresco, Inc. has announced the signing of its largest wholly owned asset contract for a battery energy storage project with United Power, an electric cooperative serving Colorado’s northern Front Range.
This 20-year agreement will see Ameresco strategically place four 11.75 MW and four 7.84 MW battery arrays across eight United Power substation sites by 2024, allowing them to efficiently store energy for dispersal during periods of high consumption.
Battery Energy Storage Systems solutions (BESS) store excess generated energy, which is utilized to provide grid stability and a reliable electricity supply during periods of low energy production, high consumer demand, and power outages.
“We are thrilled to partner with United Power on this transformational battery storage project,” said Ameresco Senior Vice President of Solar Project Development, Jon Mancini, in the company’s statement. “Energy storage plays a crucial role in enhancing grid reliability, optimizing renewable energy utilization, and fostering a resilient and efficient energy future.”
In addition to enhancing their grid’s resilience, this state-of-the-art technology will integrate renewable resources into United Power’s operations and secure a reliable electricity supply for their customers in Adams, Broomfield, and Weld counties.
“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,” stated President and CEO of United Power, Mark A. Gabriel, in a statement. “These battery arrays will allow us to balance our power needs throughout the day and incorporate local renewables more efficiently.”
The project also serves to continue Ameresco’s track record of securing large BESS projects and assets, which includes installing a 6-MW/6-MWh BESS solution at Fort Detrick Army Garrison – a plan projected to save the United States Army $125,000 annually.
Ameresco provides sustainability services and renewable energy solutions that support Net Zero objectives for commercial, industrial and mission-critical customers. With a portfolio of clients throughout North America and Europe, Ameresco has successfully completed energy-saving, environmentally responsible projects in a variety of industries, including industrial, healthcare, and government.
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving more than 100,000 customer meters. United Power is also a founding member of NextGen Cooperative Alliance, an organization focused on expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops and reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model.
