Portland General Electric (PGE) has completed three new utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS), adding 475 megawatts (MW) and over 1.9 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of capacity to its power grid in the Portland metropolitan area.

The new facilities--Seaside, Sundial, and Constable--can collectively power about 300,000 homes for four hours during periods of high demand or unexpected grid interruptions.

According to Darrington Outama, Senior Director of Energy Supply at PGE, the batteries are a key component in building a more flexible and stable energy system. Integrated into substations across North Portland, Troutdale, and Hillsboro, the installations aim to reduce reliance on volatile short-term energy markets and improve cost stability for customers.

The projects were procured through PGE's 2021 All-Source RFP process:

• Seaside: 200 MW, PGE-owned, built by Eolian, L.P.

• Sundial: 200 MW, operated by NextEra Energy Resources

• Constable: 75 MW, constructed by Mortenson

Together with the previously completed 17 MW Coffee Creek facility, PGE's total large-scale battery storage capacity now reaches 492 MW.

These systems are designed to support the integration of renewable energy sources, improve grid reliability, and provide backup during extreme weather events or power shortages.

Source: portlandgeneral.com