The gist
Known as Ferdinand and Padua 2, the battery energy storage projects have a storage capacity for 200 megawatts and 150 megawatts respectively. Both projects are located in south Bexar County and will be newly constructed and expected to be online in the first half of 2026, according to an Aug. 28 news release.
According to the news release, these storage resources are strategically located in CPS Energy’s service territory and contribute to overall grid resiliency and benefits customers.
Not including the 10 megawatts in the current portfolio, these SCAs bring CPS Energy’s total battery storage capacity under contract to 400 megawatts combined.
The energy storage projects are expected to help serve the energy needs of the San Antonio community for a 20-year period. As part of a related community benefits agreement, the project entities will contribute at least $175,000 each year to CPS Energy-sponsored activities and scholarships within the Greater San Antonio area for a five-year period once the projects are operational.
Also of note
According to the Aug. 28 news release, in January 2023, the CPS Energy board of trustees approved a generation plan as part of its Vision 2027 plan, which lays the groundwork for powering the community into the future.
Since January 2023, CPS Energy has added 1,710 megawatts of owned natural gas generation, 500 megawatts of natural gas firming capacity, an additional 84 megawatts of wind capacity, and contracted 730 megawatts of solar energy and 50 megawatts of storage.
Quote of note
“Following on to the 50 megawatt Padua 1 project already under construction for CPS Energy, this additional 350 megawatt of four-hour duration battery energy storage will provide new dispatchable capacity to the San Antonio area by mid-2026, representing the single largest buildout of stand-alone battery energy storage in [the Electric Reliability Council of Texas] to date,” said Aaron Zubaty, CEO of Eolian.
