Platte River Power Authority, the wholesale public power provider serving Colorado’s Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont, and Loveland, is making a significant stride towards its 100% non-carbon energy future. The utility has partnered with Weld Energy Storage, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, to develop its first large-scale battery energy storage project. This move is not just about adding a new asset; it’s a bold step in Platte River’s journey to maintain reliability, environmental responsibility, and financial sustainability while transitioning to a clean energy portfolio.
The upcoming battery project, capable of storing and discharging up to 400 megawatt-hours of energy, will be a game-changer. It will store up to 100 MW of power, discharging over four hours, and seamlessly integrate with Platte River’s existing renewable energy generation. Situated next to the utility’s largest solar project in Severance, Colorado, and connected through a new substation, this project is a testament to strategic planning and forward-thinking.
Jason Frisbie, Platte River’s general manager and CEO, emphasized the importance of this partnership. “We are pleased to partner with NextEra Energy Resources to develop our first large-scale battery energy storage project,” Frisbie stated. This isn’t just about adding storage; it’s about learning from successful collaborations, like the Roundhouse Wind Energy Center, and applying that knowledge to the energy transition.
NextEra Energy Resources, one of the country’s largest energy infrastructure developers, is no stranger to innovation. Anthony Pedroni, vice president of development at NextEra Energy Resources, expressed excitement about the partnership. “We are excited to continue working alongside Platte River, a leading utility in the state of Colorado,” Pedroni said. This collaboration is about more than just building a battery project; it’s about delivering reliability benefits to customers and the state.
But this isn’t Platte River’s only move. The utility is also deploying 5 MW of distribution-level energy storage projects in each owner community, building out a virtual power plant, and seeking to permit state-of-the-art aeroderivative turbines. These resources are crucial for maintaining the reliability and financial sustainability of Platte River’s renewable energy portfolio.
The battery project is expected to begin construction early next year, with operations starting in late 2026. Meanwhile, NextEra Energy Resources’ subsidiaries are already operating two battery energy storage facilities in Colorado, with a third, Jackson Fuller Energy Storage, preparing to come online.
This news is a wake-up call for the energy sector. It’s not just about going renewable; it’s about doing it smartly, strategically, and sustainably. Platte River’s move challenges other utilities to think beyond the obvious and consider the bigger picture. It’s a call to action for the sector to innovate, collaborate, and accelerate the energy transition. The future of energy is not just about generation; it’s about storage, reliability, and sustainability. And Platte River is leading the way.
