Idaho’s First Utility-Scale Energy Storage Installations Underway

The first utility-scale energy storage installations in Idaho are underway as construction has begun on them.

The first utility-scale energy storage installations in Idaho are underway as construction has begun on them. The said installations entail an 80-megawatt (MW) BESS (battery energy storage system) that is under construction at Idaho Power’s Hemingway substation in Owyhee County. It also includes a 40 MW battery energy storage system under construction adjacent to the Black Mesa Solar Project in Elmore County.

A subsidiary of IDACORP- an electricity holding company, Idaho Power is an electric power utility.

In a recent development, The Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC) gave a nod to the firm to undertake the utility-scale projects. bringing solar with batteries makes it possible for batteries to transfer energy to the grid at the time when solar production dips even though demand is high.

“These battery projects are an example of how we are using new technology to make sure our customers have reliable power while we adapt to the continued growth on our system,” said Mitch Colburn, Vice President of Planning, Engineering and Construction, while adding, “These systems, along with the solar projects coming online and future resources identified by our long-range plan will also move us closer to our goal of providing 100% clean energy by 2045.”

Idhao Power also has in the offing Franklin Solar project of 60 MW capacity that has a four-hour duration battery energy storage system. It is owned as well as operated by Idaho Power. Currently, the firm is awaiting a go-ahead from the Idaho Public Utilites Company (IPUC). Once greenlighted, the said project is slated for the following year.