Ørsted joins forces with Mission Clean Energy to advance 1GW battery storage projects in US

Ørsted, a global leader in clean energy, has unveiled a strategic partnership with Mission Clean Energy, a prominent utility-scale renewable energy and storage developer. This new collaboration is set to advance four standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) across the Midwest, enhancing Ørsted’s portfolio and expanding its technology offerings.

Groundbreaking Partnership to Enhance Energy Storage Capacity

This alliance represents a significant milestone in Ørsted’s strategy to diversify and extend its renewable energy solutions. By joining forces with Mission Clean Energy, Ørsted aims to leverage its financial resources to secure critical interconnection queue positions for the battery storage projects. Meanwhile, Mission Clean Energy will continue to lead the development efforts.

James Giamarino, Chief Commercial Officer at Ørsted, highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating, “We look forward to working with Mission Clean Energy under this unique partnership to accelerate the expansion of storage projects across the Midwest and broaden our portfolio of renewable energy technologies and services for customers. Continuing to invest in and build out storage solutions is critical for ensuring a resilient and reliable grid, and this partnership with Mission advances this important goal.”

Mission Clean Energy’s Strategic Role and Project Scope

Mission Clean Energy will play a crucial role in the development of the battery storage projects, which collectively amount to 1GW. The projects are slated for submission to the Mid-Continent Independent System Operator (MISO) Central and North, with both companies already having filed interconnection applications. Ørsted will also have the option to acquire an ownership stake as the projects advance.

Max Bakker, CEO of Mission Clean Energy, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “The partnership with Ørsted marks a significant milestone for Mission Clean Energy. Ørsted is an ideal partner to complement our development capabilities with their balance sheet strength and sponsorship support. Our combined expertise and resources will accelerate these projects and deliver impactful clean energy solutions in the MISO region.”

Regional Impact and Strategic Benefits

The Midwest region is undergoing a transformative shift in its energy landscape, driven by increased adoption of non-emitting generation resources. This transformation creates a strong demand for additional storage capacity to address capacity requirements and manage grid volatility. The strategic placement of these four projects is intended to meet these needs and provide essential benefits to the local grid.

Ørsted’s partnership with Mission Clean Energy is particularly notable as it marks Ørsted’s first standalone battery storage initiative in the U.S. and globally. This new venture builds on Ørsted’s existing portfolio of co-located solar and storage projects. These include the 40MW storage project at Permian Solar Center in West Texas and the 300 MW/1200 MWh storage project at Eleven Mile Solar Center in Arizona. The Eleven Mile Solar Center project is one of the largest single-phase storage projects in the United States, underscoring Ørsted’s commitment to advancing large-scale renewable energy solutions.

The new partnership not only adds to Ørsted’s development pipeline but also aligns with its broader strategy of increasing its presence in the U.S. market. Ørsted’s portfolio now includes nearly 6 GW of renewable energy projects either operational or under construction, with ongoing efforts to expand storage capacity across the country.

The Broader Context of Energy Storage Innovations

As the global energy landscape evolves, the integration of advanced battery storage solutions has become crucial for enhancing grid reliability and supporting the transition to renewable energy. Battery storage technology plays a pivotal role in stabilizing the grid, enabling better integration of intermittent renewable resources like wind and solar power. The collaboration between Ørsted and Mission Clean Energy reflects this broader trend, showcasing a commitment to innovative solutions that address the challenges of energy transition.

With growing recognition of the need for resilient and flexible energy systems, partnerships like this are becoming increasingly common. They represent a strategic approach to managing the complexities of modern energy infrastructure, providing a model for other companies looking to advance their renewable energy initiatives.