SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY – As California seeks to reduce its dependency on fossil fuels and integrate new sources of renewable energy, San Bernadino County may soon be home to a new battery storage facility. A 200-megawatt (MW)/800 megawatt-hour (MWh) project named Condor is being developed by Tenaska in collaboration with Arevon and will use Tesla Megapack. Located at Taylor and Main streets in Grand Terrace, the project is expected to break ground in 2022.
“Our project site in San Bernardino County is ideally suited for a battery storage project that can benefit the local community and provide a solution to the region’s energy challenges,” said Justin Johnson, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Arevon. “The Condor storage project provides capacity needed to support the California Public Utilities Commission’s call for reliability resources. Battery storage is quiet, safe, reliable and cost-effective, and it will help reduce the state’s dependence on fossil fuels.”
According to leaders of the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) grid, reaching California’s goal of a carbon-free grid by 2045 could require building 48,000 MW of battery storage – and this project will help reach that goal.
Battery storage adds greater reliability and resiliency to the electrical grid. During times of peak energy generation, such as when power from solar or wind is in abundance, batteries can be charged to capture excess generation. Batteries can then discharge this stored generation into the grid during times of peak energy demand.
The Condor project site in Grand Terrace was formerly home to the Highgrove Steam Plant, which operated in some capacity from 1952 to 2001.
“From a historical perspective, this location has long been used to support California’s energy needs. With the Condor project, Tenaska and Arevon are applying the latest technology to bring reliability to the state’s electrical grid without creating emissions,” said Tim Hemig, senior vice president in Tenaska’s Strategic Development & Acquisitions Group. “This is a great example of the evolution of the energy industry.”
The City of Grand Terrace will release an Initial Study of the proposed project in October that will be open for public review for 30 days.
Pending permitting approvals, construction of the Condor project is expected to begin in 2022 and span one year. At the peak of construction, approximately 50 to 75 local workers will be on site. The project site will include improved streetscapes, including decorative block walls, landscaping and sidewalks.
About Arevon Energy, Inc.
Arevon Energy, Inc. is a leading renewable energy company with roots as one of the largest renewable asset managers in the United States. Arevon’s financial prowess and industry expertise come together to improve the structure and performance of clean energy assets across North America. Headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ, and New York City, Arevon uses innovative approaches and leading-edge technology to provide commercial, financial, performance asset management, and construction services to nearly 10 GWac of renewable energy assets delivering clean energy to utilities and corporations. For more information, please visit: www.arevonenergy.com
About Tenaska
Tenaska is one of the leading independent energy companies in the United States, with a reputation for high standards and expertise in natural gas and electric power marketing, energy management, development and acquisition of energy assets, and operation of generating facilities. Forbes magazine consistently ranks Tenaska among the 50 largest private U.S. companies. Gross operating revenues were $7.7 billion in 2020.
Tenaska is a 2021 U.S. Best Managed Company, a recognition given by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal to private companies that demonstrate excellence in strategic planning and execution, corporate culture and financial results.
Tenaska has developed, managed and/or operated approximately 22 gigawatts (GW) of natural gas-fueled and renewables generation. Its development portfolios include more than 16 GW of solar, wind and energy storage projects. The current Tenaska operating fleet includes 7.5 GW of generating facilities.
More information is available at www.tenaska.com.