Battery storage projects to add 200 MW to Texas grid

(August 21, 2020)

Key Capture Energy (KCE) announced this week it has selected Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS) and Powin Energy Corporation to build three battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in Texas. These utility-scale projects will total 200 MW and should be online by the summer of 2021.

MHPS will be responsible for engineering, procurement, construction, and long-term service support for equipment, power conversion systems, and high voltage substations. Powin Energy Corporation plans to provide a fully integrated battery, battery management system, and long-term service.

Construction of the three storage system projects will begin in the fall of 2020 and the projects’ capacities are broken down as follows: KCE TX 11 (50 MW), KCE TX 12 (100 MW), and KCE TX 23 (50 MW).

Both MHPS and Powin have experience working with lithium-ion energy storage and have worked together to develop a customized solution to fulfill the technical requirements set by KCE. This custom solution combines lithium-ion phosphate battery chemistry with fast acting controls and power conversion systems.

The BESS projects will expand the companies’ presence in the Texas energy market. KCE is currently the second largest operator of stand-alone battery storage projects in the Lone Star State – with a combined capacity totaling 29.7 MW. Additionally, Powin has contributed to KCE’s three current operating projects.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group Companies have invested heavily in lower carbon intensive energy technology in Texas, including 2 GW of onshore wind generation, 1.3 GW of natural gas generation, and the largest post-combustion carbon dioxide capture project in the world.

Jeff Bishop, Chief Executive Officer of KCE, states, “As an industry-leading energy storage solution provider, MHPS has a strong history of technological innovation, a proven track record in large-scale project management, and strong financial positioning. We are pleased to partner with MHPS to supply full turnkey solutions for this round of Texas projects. Texas is the epicenter of the global energy market, and with a growing Houston office, we look forward to providing best-in-class energy storage solutions in the Lone Star state for decades to come.”

Tom Cornell, MHPS’ Vice President of NEXT, explained, “Key Capture Energy is a premier developer with an impressive 1,500 MW of stand-alone battery storage projects in its pipeline across the country. We look forward to joining forces in Texas to build battery energy storage for ERCOT’s needs. With today’s increasing penetration of renewable energy, it’s an ideal time for projects such as this to optimize the grid. We are experiencing a change in power.”

Caitlin Ritchie is a writer within the energy and power industry. Born in Georgia, she attended the University of Georgia before earning her master’s in English at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

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