Washington Utility PSE Secures BESS Project Contract, Sets Sights on More Solar Expansion

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) on Tuesday said it will add up to 342 MW of solar and energy storage capacity to its portfolio by developing a new solar project and signing a power purchase agreement (PPA) for a battery system with BrightNight.

Specifically, the Washington state utility will develop a photovoltaic (PV) project that will add 142 MW within the footprint of the existing Lower Snake River Wind Facility, planning to use existing transmission rights and infrastructure. To be installed by construction contractor Qcells USA, the Appaloosa park in Garfield County will be able to generate electricity for over 30,000 homes.

Building works are slated to commence in 2025, with commercial operations set to be achieved in December 2026. The project already has in place a conditional use permit from Garfield County.

PSE has also signed a PPA for a 200-MW/800-MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Washington’s Pierce County. The Greenwater lithium-ion facility will be designed and installed by BrightNight and is planned to be switched on by the middle of 2027, providing power for about 70,000 of PSE’s residential customers.

The battery scheme was developed by BrightNight through its joint venture with Cordelio Power, with support from AECOM.

Both projects will help PSE diversify its power mix by adding more renewables and meet the state's Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA) goals.