Silicon Valley Power (SVP), a leading energy utility in California, has officially chosen Ameresco, a renewable energy developer based in Massachusetts, to construct an innovative battery energy storage system (BESS) in Santa Clara. This groundbreaking project, known as Kifer Energy Storage, will consist of a 50MW/200 megawatt-hour (MWh) BESS that aims to enhance the local area’s electrical capacity and reliability.
The Kifer Energy Storage facility will be strategically situated near SVP’s existing Kifer Receiving Station, enabling seamless integration within the utility’s service territory. Construction is scheduled to commence in mid-2024, and operations are targeted to be fully operational by the final quarter of 2025.
A key aspect of this partnership is the 25-year lease and energy storage agreement between Ameresco and the city of Santa Clara. While Ameresco will spearhead the development, ownership, and operation of the BESS project, SVP will provide excess renewable electricity to charge the battery and distribute the stored energy during peak demand periods. This collaborative effort between a private renewable energy company and a public utility demonstrates a forward-thinking approach towards sustainable energy solutions.
The implementation of the Kifer Energy Storage facility will alleviate the reliance on traditional gas-fired power generation, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants. By storing excess renewable energy produced during low-demand periods, the BESS will ensure a more efficient and reliable electricity grid, especially during peak usage hours.
Overall, Silicon Valley Power and Ameresco’s partnership on the Kifer Energy Storage project represents a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable future. With an emphasis on renewable energy integration and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, this collaboration sets a new standard for innovation in the energy industry.