Fluence Energy and Torch Clean Energy have joined forces to develop the Winchester battery energy storage system (BESS) in Cochise County, Arizona, marking a significant step in the region’s energy infrastructure. The project, set to be operational in early 2027, will integrate Fluence’s Gridstack Pro 5000 energy storage solution, which will be manufactured domestically. This strategic move not only qualifies the entire solar-plus-storage facility for domestic content tax credits but also strengthens US manufacturing and enhances American energy security.
Situated adjacent to two 80MW solar arrays, the Winchester project will boast a combined energy storage capacity of 160MW/640MWh through two identical systems. Once fully operational, it will play a crucial role in balancing the grid and accommodating anticipated load growth in the region. Beyond its technical capabilities, the project is expected to foster economic development and encourage local infrastructure investment in Cochise County.
Fluence Americas president John Zahurancik expressed pride in partnering with Torch Clean Energy, highlighting the project’s importance in ensuring affordable, reliable, and secure power for the local community. He emphasized that the facility will support regional economic activity and expected load growth for many years to come. Similarly, Torch Clean Energy president Travis Haggard expressed excitement about the partnership, noting that the Gridstack Pro 5000 will enable the company to shift cost-effective solar generation to be dispatched when the grid needs it most.
This collaboration builds on Fluence’s extensive experience, having deployed or contracted over 22GWh of BESS capacity across more than 90 projects in the US. Torch Clean Energy, focusing on renewable energy assets in the mid-Atlantic region and the desert Southwest, has developed and sold over 1.2GW of renewable power assets. Last August, Fluence Energy committed to installing 2.2GWh of BESS infrastructure in the US from 2025, underscoring its commitment to advancing energy storage solutions.
The Winchester project exemplifies the growing trend of integrating energy storage with renewable energy sources to create more resilient and flexible power systems. As the energy sector continues to evolve, such initiatives are likely to shape the future of energy infrastructure, driving innovation and economic growth. The domestic manufacturing of the Gridstack Pro 5000 solution not only supports local economies but also aligns with broader goals of energy independence and sustainability. This project could set a precedent for future developments, encouraging more partnerships that prioritize domestic manufacturing and renewable energy integration.