Peregrine Battery Storage Facility

Supporting a Resilient Electricity Grid

As California’s energy grid continues to be tested amid rolling brownouts, the San Diego area will soon gain capacity support from a new battery storage facility. The 200-megawatt (MW)/400 megawatt-hour (MWh) project is being developed by Tenaska in collaboration with Arevon and will use Tesla Megapack. 

“The Peregrine project will efficiently store energy at peak solar production times for later use in high energy demand evenings,” said Tim Hemig, senior vice president in Tenaska’s Strategic Development & Acquisitions Group. “This type of state-of-the-art technology solves some of California’s greatest energy challenges.”

Increasing battery storage supports the California Public Utilities Commission’s call for additional reliability resources for the state. According to leaders of the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) grid, reaching California’s goal of a carbon-free grid by 2045 could require building 48,000 MW of battery storage.

“Given our bold climate goals at both the city and state level, investments in energy storage are critical to support increasing levels of renewable energy production and maintain a flexible and resilient electricity grid,” said City of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “We hope to see more energy storage projects like this one throughout the region in alignment with our Climate Action Plan and Climate Resilient SD goals.”

Battery storage adds greater reliability and resiliency to the electrical grid. During times of peak energy generation, such as when power from solar or wind is in abundance, batteries can be charged to capture excess generation. Batteries can then discharge this stored generation into the grid during times of peak energy demand.

Construction of the Peregrine project is expected to span one year. At the peak of construction, approximately 50 to 75 local workers will be on site. The project site will include reconstructed sidewalks, carbon-capturing trees and improved street lighting. The Peregrine project team is also working with neighborhood schools to support STEM education programs focused on renewable energy.

News release from October 20, 2021

Click to listen to a description of the project from a public meeting.