AMERESCO secures contract for four BESS projects totaling 379MWh in Calif.

Renewable energy asset developer and clean-tech integrator, Ameresco on Thursday announced that it has secured contract to design and build four co-located battery energy storage system (BESS) projects designed to add 379MWh to the California grid.

The four energy storage projects are being developed in support of California's efforts to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2045. The installation of the four BESS is expected to enhance the efficiency of the natural gas power plants, leading to emission reduction and adding resource adequacy capacity to the California power grid.

"Energy storage is pivotal for ensuring resource adequacy and resiliency in California," said Britta MacIntosh, EVP and General Manager of West and Europe Regions, Ameresco.

"To better prepare California for unforeseen disruptions to the grid, our team will work in concert with Middle River Power to fully integrate emission-reducing battery energy storage technology into four of its California-based gas power plants to ensure we meet California's clean energy goals."

Middle River Power (MRP) is an independent power company, wholly owned by Avenue Capital. The four large-scale energy storage projects will come at the site of gas power plants owned by MRP.

MRP currently operates 10 natural gas power plants across the US, eight of which are based in California. Additionally, MRP has 12 projects in active development stage and has completed two development projects in California that include a utility grid-scale solar-plus-storage project and standalone storage project co-located with a geothermal facility.

"We're thrilled to work with Ameresco to bring these innovative projects to fruition, integrating additional renewable energy while enhancing a resilient grid. The energy storage assets allow for the shifting of solar energy from the middle of the day to supply the grid during evening peak hours, while maintaining our natural gas facilities as a flexible, reliable backstop," said Mark Kubow, CEO of Middle River Power.

"We are excited to introduce our first tranche of projects that takes such a meaningful step in helping California in the transition to more renewable resources."

The project will be completed in Q3 of 2024.