Tucson Electric Power (TEP) has unveiled plans to construct a substantial battery energy storage system in southeast Tucson, Arizona, aimed at meeting the energy demands of its customers with solar power. Known as TEP's Roadrunner Reserve system, it is set to become the largest energy storage system in the company's portfolio and one of the largest in the state, boasting a capacity of 200 MW capable of storing 800 megawatt hours of energy. This is sufficient to power approximately 42,000 homes for up to four hours at full capacity. The system is scheduled to commence operations in the summer of 2025.
TEP's strategy involves charging the grid-connected battery during the morning and early afternoon, when solar resources are most abundant, and then deploying the stored energy later in the day when customer energy demand typically peaks. The facility will be situated adjacent to a TEP substation on the southeast side of Tucson.
Susan Gray, TEP's President and CEO, emphasized the importance of the Roadrunner Reserve system, stating, “Roadrunner Reserve will help us maintain reliability as we ambitiously but responsibly expand our community's renewable resources. This new system will be particularly important in helping us satisfy peak energy needs during the summer.”
Presently, TEP boasts 51 MW of energy storage capacity, with the largest storage system being the 30 MW battery located at the Wilmot Energy Center.
TEP will own and operate the Roadrunner Reserve, with design and construction being undertaken by Scottsdale-based DEPCOM Power, Inc. The system will employ lithium iron phosphate battery units, a newer technology renowned for its extended lifespan and enhanced safety compared to other battery systems.
This project aligns with TEP's 2020 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which outlines its commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 80% and adding up to 1,400 MW of energy storage by 2035. TEP is scheduled to submit its next IRP on November 1, 2023.
The Roadrunner Reserve initiative builds upon TEP's recent investments in renewable resources, including the 250-MW Oso Grande Wind Project, the Wilmot Energy Center with a 100-MW solar array and a 30-MW battery energy storage system, the 99-MW Borderlands Wind Project, and the 12.5-MW Raptor Ridge solar system, collectively contributing to the company's commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions.
