Recurrent Energy, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar, and global developer, owner and operator of solar and energy storage assets, has reached commercial operation at the 1,200 MWh Papago Storage facility in Maricopa County, Arizona. The project is now dispatching stored energy to Arizona Public Service (APS), the state’s largest electric utility, in time to help meet rising electricity demand during the summer season.
Papago Storage is the first of three Recurrent Energy projects with tolling agreements in place with APS to become operational. Collectively, the three projects will provide 1,800 MWh of battery storage capacity and 150 MWAC of solar generation. Once all are fully operational, they will store and deliver enough electricity to serve the equivalent of 72,000 homes for four hours, along with solar generation capacity sufficient to support approximately 24,000 homes annually.
“Summer is here, and we are ready to serve APS customers with the energy they need when they need it,” said Derek Seaman, APS director of resource acquisition. “The Papago Storage project is part of our diverse and balanced energy mix, helping us continue to provide Arizona with top-tier reliability and affordable service.”
In addition to strengthening grid reliability, the project also contributes to the local community through tax revenues and direct support. Through its Community CaRE (Community and Renewable Energy) Program, Recurrent Energy has donated to the Harquahala Fire District and Arlington Elementary School in Maricopa County.
Canadian Solar’s majority-owned subsidiary, e-STORAGE, served as the turnkey engineering, procurement and construction provider for the project and will continue to support Papago Storage under a long-term service agreement.
“The commissioning of Papago Storage marks a major milestone in our collaboration with APS to strengthen Arizona’s energy infrastructure,” said Ismael Guerrero, CEO of Recurrent Energy. “We’re proud to deliver flexible capacity that meets the state’s growing energy needs and grateful for APS’s continued partnership. As we begin operations, we remain committed to building long-term value for the local community and our partners.”
News item from Recurrent Energy
