Platte River problems RFP for 250MW of solar PV, motivates battery storage as part of projects

• Platte River Power Authority has actually issued an ask for proposals (RFP) to acquire as much as 250MW of new solar PV generating capacity that might start producing energy by 2025.

A not-for-profit, community-owned public power energy in Colorado, Platte River has asked for the biggest amount of brand-new renewable capacity to date as well as "urges any type of recommended project to include a battery power storage component".

Designers are urged to "consider recommending projects that can interconnect with Platte River's transmission system", consisting of areas in northwest Colorado and also the north Front Variety, Platte River said.

" Specific consideration may also be granted to smaller projects-- 25MW or less-- that can connect to the distribution systems of one or every one of Platte River's proprietor communities," it included.

The demand also allows bidders to recommend installments that could adjoin anywhere on Platte River's transmission system, consisting of the circulation systems in the owner communities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and also Loveland in Colorado.

Within each project suggested, designers are urged to include a battery energy storage system (BESS) element with the ability of offering 100% of the project's nameplate capacity for a minimum of four hours and be dispatchable by Platte River when required.

" Linking solar as well as battery storage on both the transmission and also distribution systems will certainly improve integrity and more development our method of system assimilation," stated Jason Frisbie, general manager as well as chief executive officer of Platte River. "The objective is to have dispersed power resources in every proprietor community."

In 2018, Platte River's board of supervisors embraced the 'Resource Diversification Policy' that calls for its leadership to seek a 100% renewable resource mix by 2030.

In 2020, Platte River preserved 100% transmission system dependability and supplied power to its owner communities at the lowest wholesale rates in Colorado. "With an extra 250MW of solar creating capacity, Platte River approximates its general yearly power manufacturing will certainly be roughly 54% noncarbon," it stated in a media release.

Proposals schedule 18 February 2022, after which Platte River will develop a short list of prospective projects that add up to about 250MW and indication power acquisition arrangements later on in the year.