Idaho Power begins work on state’s first utility-scale storage installation

Work began last week on Idaho’s largest energy storage projects to date, with 80 MW of battery systems being constructed by Idaho Power at its Hemingway substation in Owyhee County and another 40 MW battery energy storage system under construction alongside the Black Mesa solar project in Elmore County.

The projects were recently greenlit by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC), calling them in the public interest. This was partly because of a significant drop in costs for large-scale batteries coupled with rising capacity, even with rising prices from supply chain disruptions. The commission was particularly interested in combining batteries with solar projects to allow more resources to meet high customer demand even when solar production drops.

“These battery projects are an example of how we are using new technology to make sure our customers have reliable power while we adapt to the continued growth on our system,” Mitch Colburn, vice president of planning, engineering, and construction for Idaho Power, said. “These systems — along with the solar projects coming online and future resources identified by our long-range plan — will also move us closer to our goal of providing 100 percent clean energy by 2045.”

Idaho Power’s energy storage systems can discharge capacity over a four-hour period. This can help alleviate load during peak periods, such as hot summer afternoons and evenings when air conditioners and such are running en masse. The company expects to require more energy and capacity by 2025 and beyond. Because of this, it’s also considering proposals for new projects to enter service over that timeframe.

Solar is already much more established in Idaho. The 120 MW Jackpot Solar project south of Twin Falls, Idaho, began delivering electricity in December 2022, and plans submitted in February 2023 for the 100 MW Franklin Solar project nearby. The Franklin will also include a 60 MW battery energy storage system, scheduled to come online next year.

The projects’ battery systems will be company-owned and operated. However, Jackpot and Franklin Solar are independent power producers. They will sell their energy to Idaho Power.