Recurrent Energy Activates Landmark 1.2-GWh Papago Battery Storage System, Bolstering Arizona Grid Reliability for Peak Demand
Key Insights
Recurrent Energy has brought its 300-MW/1.2-GWh Papago battery energy storage system online in Arizona, significantly enhancing grid stability and capacity for the state.
The Papago facility, located in Maricopa County, operates under a 20-year tolling agreement with Arizona Public Service, marking a crucial step in their clean energy transition.
This project is the first of three planned battery storage facilities by Recurrent Energy for APS, collectively aiming to provide 1.8 GWh of capacity to meet summer peak demand.
Developed by Canadian Solar's subsidiary, the system will serve the equivalent of 72,000 homes for four hours, complementing solar generation and improving energy resilience.
Recurrent Energy, a prominent developer of utility-scale renewable energy projects and a subsidiary of Canadian Solar, has announced the commercial operation of its 300-MW/1.2-GWh Papago battery energy storage system (BESS) in Maricopa County, Arizona. The facility is now actively dispatching power into the Arizona Public Service (APS) statewide utility grid under a comprehensive 20-year tolling agreement, marking a significant milestone in the region’s energy transition.
The Papago BESS is the first of three large-scale battery storage projects that Recurrent Energy is developing for APS. Once all three facilities are fully operational, they are projected to collectively provide up to 1,800 MWh (1.8 GWh) of energy storage capacity. This substantial capacity, combined with the output from the nearby 150-MW Papago solar farm, is strategically designed to bolster APS’s ability to meet escalating electricity demand, particularly during Arizona’s peak summer seasons.
“Summer is here, and we are ready to serve APS customers with the energy they need when they need it,” stated Derek Seaman, APS Director of Resource Acquisition. He further emphasized, “The Papago Storage project is part of our diverse and balanced energy mix, helping us continue to provide Arizona with top-tier reliability and affordable service.” The integrated systems are engineered to store and deliver sufficient electricity to power the equivalent of 72,000 homes for four hours, while the associated solar generation capacity can support approximately 24,000 homes annually.
The engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services for the Papago Storage project were provided by e-STORAGE, another subsidiary of Canadian Solar, which will also continue to manage the system’s maintenance under a long-term service agreement. This integrated approach, leveraging expertise across the Canadian Solar group, highlights the growing trend of comprehensive solutions in the utility-scale energy storage sector.
The successful commissioning of the Papago BESS underscores the increasing importance of flexible, dispatchable energy resources in modern grids. As Arizona continues to experience rapid growth and seeks to decarbonize its energy supply, projects like Papago are crucial for firming intermittent renewable generation, mitigating grid congestion, and ensuring a stable and reliable power supply for consumers.