Ørsted has reached commercial operations of the 500-MWh Old 300 Storage project in Needville, Texas.
“Battery energy storage has played a large role in providing much needed power to ERCOT in times of tight supply and demand margins,” said Melissa Peterson, President of Ørsted Americas Onshore. “Achieving commercial operations at our Old 300 Storage project will have tangible benefits, such as strengthening grid reliability by providing additional resources to Texas grid operators and allowing for more diverse and localized energy options as electricity demand continues to grow.”
The 250-MW BESS project is co-located with the 430-MW solar project, Old 300 Solar. Old 300 Storage is operated independently from Old 300 Solar and will help improve grid stability by providing power when it is needed most. Old 300 Solar has been providing power to roughly 80,000 homes and businesses in Texas since 2024. Combined, the solar and storage project will inject approximately $110 million in property tax revenue that will support local infrastructure, schools, and emergency services.
Ørsted procured the battery energy storage system for this project from Tesla. The Megapacks were manufactured in Lathrop, California. Ørsted and Tesla proactively collaborated with the Needville Fire Department to provide comprehensive education on the latest product technology and safety response protocols.
News item from Ørsted