Recurrent Energy Activates 1,200 MWh Storage in Arizona
Recurrent Energy, a prominent global developer, owner, and operator of solar and energy storage assets and a subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc. (“Canadian Solar”), announced that the 1,200 MWh Papago Storage facility in Maricopa County, Arizona, has entered commercial operation. In order to help satisfy the state’s growing need for electricity throughout the summer, the project is currently sending stored energy to Arizona Public Service (APS), the biggest electric provider in the state.
With tolling agreements in place with APS, Papago Storage is the first of three Recurrent Energy projects to go live. Together, the three projects will generate 150 MWac of solar energy and 1,800 MWh of battery storage capacity. When they are all completely functional, they will generate enough solar energy to power about 24,000 houses a year and store and transmit enough electricity to power 72,000 households for four hours.
Derek Seaman, APS Director of Resource Acquisition, said, “Summer is here, and we are ready to serve APS customers with the energy they need when they need it. 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.”
Kevin Thompson, Chair of the Arizona Corporation Commission noted, “I commend Recurrent Energy for completion of their 300MW Papago Energy Storage Project. Bringing online one of our state’s largest battery storage projects during this critical time when energy demand is growing rapidly will help our utilities execute an all-of-the-above response to that demand and further diversify Arizona’s energy resources.”
Arizona House Majority Leader Michael Carbone added, “I congratulate Recurrent Energy on this tremendous energy storage achievement. With our favorable business climate, Arizona’s economy is attracting development from all over the world, and we must provide the energy to accommodate this incredible growth. The Papago Storage Project will play an important role in Arizona’s energy future.”
Apart from enhancing grid dependability, the initiative also benefits the neighbourhood by generating tax income and providing direct assistance. Recurrent Energy has made donations to Arlington Elementary School and the Harquahala Fire District in Maricopa County through its Community CaRE (Community and Renewable Energy) Program.
The project’s turnkey engineering, procurement, and construction contractor was e-STORAGE, a majority-owned subsidiary of Canadian Solar, which will also supply Papago Storage with ongoing support through a long-term service agreement.
Ismael Guerrero, CEO of Recurrent Energy, stated, “The commissioning of Papago Storage marks a major milestone in our collaboration with APS to strengthen Arizona’s energy infrastructure. We’re proud to deliver flexible capacity that meets the state’s growing energy needs and grateful for APS’s continued partnership. As we begin operations, we remain committed to building long-term value for the local community and our partners.”