Wedoany.com Report-Jan 15, Idaho Power Company has tapped Prevalon Energy to supply what is slated to be the state of Idaho’s largest battery energy storage system (BESS), a 200 MW/800 MWh project. The BESS would enhance grid resiliency as a net peak solution, helping the utility maintain reliable power during periods of high demand.
It is the second storage deal between the Mitsubishi Power Americas spinout and Idaho’s largest utility, following a similar arrangement for a 328 MWh BESS announced last May.
“This continued collaboration reflects the dedication and expertise of our exceptional team at Prevalon,” said Tom Cornell, Prevalon president and CEO. “We value our partnership with Idaho Power and are excited to further support their long-term goals with our advanced integrated battery energy storage solutions, ensuring a stable and reliable energy grid for their customers.”
Prevalon’s latest contract with Idaho Power includes a comprehensive long-term service agreement encompassing maintenance and remote monitoring. The four-hour battery storage project, set to be fully operational by 2026, will be powered by the Prevalon HD 511 system, which the company says offers industry-leading energy density with 5.11 MWh per 20-ft ISO enclosure and a compact footprint. The HD511 is a liquid-cooled AC system that houses battery enclosures, inverters, medium voltage transformers, and a “highly configurable,” US-made Energy Management System (EMS). Prevalon says that EMS meets IEC 62443-5-1 Level Two cybersecurity standards and incorporates robust safety protocols.
Idaho Power, which already boasts a pretty clean generation mix dominated by hydropower, plans to integrate more than 5,000 MW of energy from wind and solar projects over the next 20 years. Deploying resources like big batteries will help the utility store energy from those intermittent sources to meet that goal. Idaho Power intends to provide its customers with 100% clean energy by 2045.
Until this latest collaboration was announced, the largest known BESS planned for construction in Idaho was a 150 MW/600 MWh facility in Kuna, just outside the capital of Boise. Aypa Power inked a 20-year agreement with Idaho Power for that project in 2023 and secured a $323 million financing package for it last summer. Aypa Power hopes to bring the batteries online sometime this year.
Prevalon Energy, which spun out of Mitsubishi Power Americas less than a year ago, now boasts a pipeline of more than 30 projects, encompassing 4+ GWh of energy storage. In May 2024, the first of three Origis Energy solar + storage projects came online in Mississippi, marking a significant milestone for Prevalon, which supplied a 50 MW BESS for Golden Triangle II.
