Storage

Ameresco to construct largest standalone BESS in the Pacific Northwest

Ameresco to construct largest standalone BESS in the Pacific Northwest
Ameresco worked with Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to design and build two battery energy storage systems (BESS) on Newmarket – Tay Power Distribution Ltd’s distribution grid. Ameresco owns, operates, and maintains both facilities, with a total capacity of 5 MW / 20 MWh. Image courtesy: Ameresco

Ameresco Inc. has signed a contract with Snohomish County Public Utility District (PUD) in Washington state to construct the largest standalone battery project to date in the Pacific Northwest.

The battery energy storage system (BESS) will have a 20-year guaranteed capacity of 25 megawatts (MW) and 100 megawatt-hours (MWh). A 25-year tolling agreement positions Ameresco as the asset owner and Snohomish PUD as the exclusive customer of the project. It allows Ameresco to provide Snohomish PUD the flexibility to utilize the battery energy storage system for charging and discharging activities under the agreement.

“This project represents a paradigm shift in the Pacific Northwest energy industry,” said Nicole Bulgarino, executive vice president at Ameresco. “By collaborating with Snohomish PUD, we are pioneering a unique model where the owner and the customer are distinct entities, showcasing the versatility and scalability of utility-scale storage solutions.”

Ameresco says the BESS will provide the PUD with enhanced electrical system reliability and flexibility while reducing exposure to energy price volatility.

“We’re excited to work with Ameresco on making this new battery energy storage project a reality,” stated John Haarlow, Snohomish PUD CEO/General Manager. “Energy storage is a critical component to helping us keep the grid reliable and affordable while also meeting our clean energy goals.”

Construction is expected to begin in late 2024 and the BESS could be operational in late 2025.

The largest non-standalone BESS project in the Northwest is located at Wheatridge Renewable Energy Facility (30 MW, 60 MWh) in Morrow County, Oregon. That site features first-of-its-kind wind, solar, and storage co-location.

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