EDP Renewables North America LLC and Salt River Project, a not for-profit public power utility serving more than two million people in central Arizona, today celebrated the completion of Flatland Energy Storage, a 200 megawatt (MW) / 800 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) in Coolidge, Arizona. Flatland Energy Storage has the capacity to power the equivalent of approximately 44,500 Arizona homes, helping ensure reliable electricity during periods of peak demand and supporting the state’s growing energy needs.
Located in Pinal County, Flatland Energy Storage demonstrates the increasing importance of utility-scale battery projects in enhancing grid flexibility and improving energy reliability. Flatland Energy Storage is the largest BESS within the EDP Group.
“Energy storage plays a critical role in maintaining a reliable and resilient electric grid, especially as demand continues to grow,” said Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO of EDP Renewables North America. “Projects like Flatland Energy Storage ensure power is available when it’s needed most, while also delivering meaningful, long-term benefits to the communities that host them.”
“Flatland Energy Storage is part of SRP’s all-of-the above approach to providing reliable, affordable and sustainable power to our customers,” said Bobby Olsen, SRP Associate General Manager and Chief Power System Executive. “SRP will continue to invest in battery energy storage resources as part of its growing resource portfolio.”
Flatland Energy Storage represents more than $20 million in local and regional economic impact over its lifetime, including:
- $19.2 million in revenue to support local public services and infrastructure, including schools, roads, emergency services and equipment
- Over $1.3 million in regional spending, directly boosting the local economy
- Approximately 142 jobs supported during construction
“Flatland Energy Storage is a welcome investment in the City of Coolidge,” said City of Coolidge Mayor Jon Thompson, “strengthening essential services and supporting our community’s continued growth.”
EDPR NA has reinforced its commitment to community partnership with more than $28,000 in donations and memberships to local entities and organizations, including to the Coolidge Chamber of Commerce, the Cotton Day Festival, the Pinal County Fair and Junior Livestock Auction, the Pinal Partnership Reading Program, the Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce, and the Casa Grande Museum.
“Meeting Arizona’s growing energy demand is critical to sustaining economic development and attracting future large‑scale investment to our region” said President and CEO of Pinal Partnership Craig McFarland, “EDP Renewables’ Flatland Energy Storage project bolsters the region’s commitment to responsible growth and reflects strong coordination with community stakeholders, consistent with Pinal Partnership’s all‑of‑the‑above approach to powering our county’s future.”
EDPR NA is a leading developer and operator of clean energy infrastructure in Arizona, with approximately 600 MW of gross operating capacity across solar and storage powering the equivalent of more than 113,000 homes. EDPR NA’s portfolio in Arizona includes Sun Streams Solar (158 MW), Brittlebush Solar (200 MW), and Table Top Solar & Energy Storage (96 MW solar and 96 MW BESS).
