Strata Clean Energy has officially broken ground on its latest battery energy storage project, named Justice Energy Storage, located in Maricopa County, Arizona. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by key representatives from Strata, Arizona Public Service (APS), and various local stakeholders, marking a significant step forward in Arizona’s renewable energy landscape.
Justice Energy Storage will boast a capacity of 150 megawatts (MW) and will be capable of storing up to 600 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity. Once operational in April 2026, the facility will provide approximately four hours of battery storage, enough to supply electricity to around 24,000 homes. This capability is crucial for managing energy demand, particularly during peak usage hours in the evenings when electricity consumption tends to spike.
The facility will support Arizona’s energy grid by storing excess solar and other renewable energy generated during the day, delivering that power when demand is highest. This is especially important in Arizona, where energy use surges during the summer months due to extreme heat and widespread air conditioning use.
Tiago Sabino Dias, Chief Commercial Officer at Strata Clean Energy, emphasized the project’s significance: “This project underscores our long-term commitment to enabling a resilient, decarbonized energy future. Justice will help Arizona move closer to its clean energy goals while supporting the economic vitality of the region.”
Brian Cole, APS Vice President of Resource Management, highlighted the importance of a balanced energy portfolio. “At APS, we plan years in advance and maintain a balanced and diverse energy portfolio to serve our customers. With the addition of the Justice Energy Storage project, we’ll continue to deliver reliable and affordable energy as we power Arizona’s future growth.”
The Justice Energy Storage project was selected through APS’s All-Source Request for Proposals (RFP) launched in June 2023. The facility will operate under a 20-year tolling agreement between Strata and APS, where Strata is responsible for development, ownership, and operation, while APS retains the rights to dispatch the stored energy as needed.
Justice Energy Storage is part of Strata’s expanding portfolio of large-scale renewable energy and storage projects across the United States. By enhancing energy reliability and helping to balance the grid during peak periods, the project will play a pivotal role in Arizona’s energy transition, ensuring a more resilient and sustainable power supply for the future.
The groundbreaking of Justice Energy Storage marks a significant advancement in Arizona’s efforts to integrate renewable energy solutions into its grid. As Strata Clean Energy continues to invest in energy storage technologies, the state moves closer to achieving its clean energy goals, reinforcing its commitment to a sustainable future.
