Canadian Solar subsidiary Recurrent Energy has begun the commercial operation of the Papago storage facility, a significant energy storage asset in Maricopa County, in the US state of Arizona.

The 300MW/1.2 gigawatt hours (GWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) is now actively dispatching stored energy to Arizona Public Service (APS), enhancing the state's electric utility capabilities during peak summer demand.

APS resource acquisition director Derek Seaman stated: "Summer is here, and we are ready to serve APS customers with the energy they need when they need it. The Papago storage project is part of our diverse and balanced energy mix, helping us continue to provide Arizona with top-tier reliability and affordable service."

The facility is the first of three projects by Recurrent Energy to reach operational status under tolling agreements with APS.

Together, they will offer a combined 1.8GWh of battery storage and 150 megawatts alternating current (MWac) of solar generation.

They will provide enough electricity to power the equivalent of 72,000 homes for four hours and support the annual energy needs of 24,000 homes with solar power.

The operationalisation of Papago Storage project brings not only enhanced grid reliability but also economic benefits to the local community.

The project entered its construction phase in May 2024. The turnkey engineering, procurement and construction services were provided by e-STORAGE, a majority-owned subsidiary of Canadian Solar.

e-STORAGE will also maintain its involvement with Papago through a long-term service agreement, ensuring the facility's ongoing performance and reliability.

Arizona House majority leader Michael Carbone added: "I congratulate Recurrent Energy on this tremendous energy storage achievement. With our favourable business climate, Arizona's economy is attracting development from all over the world, and we must provide the energy to accommodate this incredible growth. The Papago storage project will play an important role in Arizona's energy future."

Arizona Corporation Commission chair Kevin Thompson stated: "I commend Recurrent Energy for completion of their 300MW Papago energy storage project. Bringing online one of our state's largest battery storage projects during this critical time when energy demand is growing rapidly will help our utilities execute an all-of-the-above response to that demand and further diversify Arizona's energy resources."