Renewable

January 25 (Renewables Now) - US power producer and retailer Vistra (NYSE:VST) intends to further expand its Moss Landing battery storage system in California to reach 750 MW/3,000 MWh of capacity and gears for more afterwards.

The Texas-based company said on Monday it has signed a 15-year resource adequacy agreement with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for the proposed 350-MW/1,400-MWh extension. Currently, the Moss Landing energy storage complex in Monterey County offers 400 MW/1,600 MWh of storage capacity. Following the expansion, it will become the largest battery facility globally.

The contract with the power and gas utility is pending clearance from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). A decision is expected to be issued within 180 days.

The Moss Landing battery was installed in two phases, the second one of which was completed in the summer of 2021. The new system will be a third stage for the project. According to Vistra, the complex could reach 1,500 MW if more phases are realised.

Construction of Phase III is planned to begin in May, with the new battery due to become operational by June 2023. Vistra will use an already-approved development permit and will install the capacity on its own property.

"These innovative battery energy storage systems are necessary to maintain electric grid reliability as increasing levels of intermittent renewable power are integrated into the electric grid," said Curt Morgan, Vistra’s CEO.

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