News Summary
esVolta and B2U Storage Solutions have announced significant battery storage initiatives in Texas, enhancing grid reliability with a combined energy capacity of almost 1 GWh. esVolta’s projects include Desert Willow, Anole, and Burksol, while B2U is focusing on repurposing EV batteries for a second-life project. These initiatives aim to stabilize the ERCOT grid and support sustainable energy practices in the region.
esVolta and B2U Unveil Significant Battery Storage Initiatives in Texas
esVolta has launched three battery energy storage projects in Texas, marking a significant step towards enhancing grid reliability in the state. Together, these projects boast a combined capacity of almost 1 GWh of energy and 490 MW of peak power, contributing approximately 4% of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas’ (ERCOT) expected 12.2 GW storage capacity anticipated by July 2025.
Operational Projects Overview
The battery storage projects include:
- Desert Willow: Located in Dallas, this project features a 300 MWh capacity and has been operational since July 2025.
- Anole: This project holds a 480 MWh capacity and also became operational in July 2025.
- Burksol: Situated in West Texas, Burksol provides a 200 MWh capacity and has been operational since March 2025.
Each project employs two-hour duration lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) systems, designed for versatility in responding to energy demands.
Engineering and Financial Collaborations
In bringing these projects to fruition, esVolta collaborated with Saber Power for the Desert Willow and Burksol projects, while forming a partnership with Quanta Infrastructure Solutions Group for the Anole project. Financial support was secured through a partnership with Captona LLC for preferred equity investment alongside construction debt financing obtained from Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG).
Impact on ERCOT Grid Stability
The newly operational projects aim to enhance ERCOT’s grid stability by providing fast-response energy and ancillary services. By stabilizing the grid, they play an essential role in addressing Texas’s increasing demand for electricity. The areas of land utilized include 13 acres for Desert Willow, 44 acres for Anole, and 10 acres for Burksol.
B2U Storage Solutions Expands Battery Storage Innovations
In a parallel effort, B2U Storage Solutions is developing a second-life battery storage project in Bexar County, Texas, utilizing retired electric vehicle (EV) batteries. This initiative is part of a broader aim to support energy storage capacity in the region, targeting a total of 100 MWh with four planned projects over the next year.
Project Specifications and Benefits
The B2U projects will incorporate systems with a 10 MW capacity, each capable of discharging for over two hours at full output. The company’s inaugural project in Lancaster, California, which utilizes repurposed EV batteries, has demonstrated remarkable performance by surpassing initial expectations in battery cycles.
Utilizing second-life EV batteries is expected to offer energy storage solutions at costs that are approximately 30% to 40% lower than those of new lithium-ion systems. B2U’s funding strategy comprises a blend of external equity, debt, and tax benefits, enabling accelerated growth and scalability of their projects.
Strategic Locations and Environmental Impact
The B2U projects are strategically positioned near population centers that face transmission constraints, thereby optimizing their efficiency within the ERCOT market. Alongside expanding clean energy storage, repurposing EV batteries provides a responsible solution to waste linked with the rising popularity of electric vehicles.
With plans for three additional storage projects in Texas, B2U has successfully managed over 2,000 retired batteries through its systems, further reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and efficient energy practices in the state.
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Additional Resources
- Express News: B2U EV Batteries Reused in ERCOT Grid
- Wikipedia: Battery Energy Storage
- Pulse 2: Energy Vault Project Financing
- Google Search: Energy Storage Texas
- PR Newswire: EsVolta Storage Projects
- Google Scholar: Battery Storage Texas
- Bloomberg: Texas Battery Boom
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Energy Storage
- Interesting Engineering: Battery Storage in Texas
- Google News: Battery Storage Texas
