East Point Energy, a wholly owned Equinor company, has completed construction and started operations at Citrus Flatts, a 100 MW/200 MWh battery storage facility in Harlingen, Texas. The start-up brings Equinor's tally of operating battery storage facilities to five in four years.
Citrus Flatts is East Point's second operational project, following the 10 MW/20 MWh Sunset Ridge facility, which started up last year. Combined, the two facilities can supply enough electricity to power about 30,000 homes for up to two hours within Texas' ERCOT power market.
Christian Lie Hansen, Equinor's vice president of onshore renewables Americas and chair of the East Point Energy board, said the facilities are "delivering flexible and reliable energy solutions in attractive power markets."
Both projects will run on a fully merchant basis in ERCOT. Equinor's integrated approach to power markets includes close collaboration with Danske Commodities on operational capabilities, asset management and portfolio optimization.
Battery storage systems store excess power generated on the grid and release it when demand is highest, which helps balance supply and reliability. Texas is both the largest oil and gas producing state in the US and its largest renewable energy state. It generates more wind power than any other state and is becoming one of the world's biggest solar markets.
Andrew Foukal, CEO of East Point Energy, said: "This project will generate millions in tax revenue to support local priorities."
Expanding beyond Texas
Construction is underway on Equinor's battery storage portfolio in Virginia's PJM power market. That portfolio comprises four projects totaling 80 MW/160 MWh and is on track to reach commercial operation in early 2027.
