Equinor has switched on its largest energy storage project in the US, marking another step in the Norwegian energy giant’s push to build a major position in the country’s power market.

 

East Point Energy, a wholly owned Equinor company, has completed construction and begun commercial operations at the 100 MW/200 MWh Citrus Flatts Energy Center in Harlingen, Texas.

 

The project brings Equinor’s total number of battery storage facilities in commercial production to five in just four years. Citrus Flatts is East Point’s second operational project, following the 10 MW/20 MWh Sunset Ridge facility, which entered service last year.

 

Together, Citrus Flatts and Sunset Ridge can provide enough electricity to power around 30,000 homes for up to two hours in Texas’ ERCOT power market.

 

“The start-up of these facilities underscores Equinor’s ambition to grow its integrated power business, delivering flexible and reliable energy solutions in attractive power markets,” said Christian Lie Hansen, Equinor vice president of onshore renewables Americas and chair of the East Point Energy board.

 

The two Texas projects will operate on a fully merchant basis in ERCOT. Equinor says its integrated power-market approach, supported by collaboration with Danske Commodities, will strengthen operations, asset management and portfolio optimisation.

 

The battery projects are also part of Equinor’s broader strategy to combine energy storage with its trading capabilities and capture value across power markets.

 

Battery storage is becoming increasingly important in Texas as electricity demand rises and the state rapidly expands renewable generation.

 

Texas is the US’ biggest oil and gas state as well as its largest renewable energy state. It produces more wind power than any other US state and is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s largest solar markets.

 

That combination makes flexible storage increasingly valuable, allowing electricity to be stored when supply is high and released when demand peaks.

 

“This project will generate millions in tax revenue to support local priorities. As energy demand surges across Texas, it will strengthen the electrical grid and help keep energy costs affordable for families and businesses,” said Andrew Foukal, CEO of East Point Energy.

 

The company is also building out its battery storage footprint in Virginia’s PJM power market.

 

Construction is underway on four projects with a combined capacity of 80 MW/160 MWh. Equinor expects the portfolio to enter commercial operation in early 2027.

 

The expansion marks East Point’s evolution from a project developer into an independent power producer, supporting Equinor’s strategy of participating across the power value chain.