RWE has commenced construction on three battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Texas, collectively boasting a capacity of 450 megawatts (MW). The Crowned Heron 1, Crowned Heron 2, and Cartwheel 1 projects are now underway, contributing to the company's strategy to expand its energy storage portfolio.
The Crowned Heron 1 and Crowned Heron 2 projects, each with a capacity of 150 MW (300 megawatt-hours), are located in Fort Bend County.
Construction of Crowned Heron 1 is anticipated to conclude by the summer of 2025, while Crowned Heron 2 is scheduled for commissioning in the fall of 2025.
In Sulphur Springs, Texas, the Cartwheel project will also have a capacity of 150 MW (300 MWh). RWE previously announced the Bright Arrow project in the same region, which includes 300 MW of solar capacity and 100 MW (200 MWh) of energy storage. The Cartwheel project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025.
Once operational, these three BESS projects will offer a total storage capacity of 900 MWh, aligning with RWE's global growth target of reaching 6 gigawatts (GW) of battery storage by 2030.
This expansion aims to bolster the stability and resilience of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid, particularly amid record-high power demands during extreme heat events.
With these new developments, RWE's total construction projects will reach 931 MW across California, Texas, and Arizona. Hanson Wood, head of development for utility-scale renewables at RWE Clean Energy, highlighted the significance of these initiatives, stating, “These battery storage projects mark a significant step in our ongoing commitment to enhancing the energy infrastructure in Texas, while growing our energy storage portfolio.”
He added, “When completed and operating, our Crowned Heron 1 and 2 and Cartwheel battery projects will serve as reliable energy storage solutions to enhance grid stability and support the state's rapidly growing renewables sector.”
