The United States has become one of the world's fastest-growing markets for utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), developers are expected to add approximately 24.3 GW of utility-scale battery storage capacity in 2026. These systems play a crucial role in balancing supply and demand, enhancing grid stability, and supporting the integration of renewable energy.

The largest upcoming BESS projects in US, including Darden Battery Energy Storage System, Copper Rays BESS Project, Lunis Creek Battery Energy Storage System, Clear Fork Creek Solar Battery Storage Project, NextEra Energy Resources's Roadhouse Project, Bellefield BESS Phase 2 and Tehuacana Creek Solar Battery Energy Storage Project support the renewable energy transformation in the states.

In this blog, we explore the biggest upcoming battery storage projects in the US in 2025, according to the installed capacity.

List of Top 7 Upcoming BESS Projects in the US 2026 (according to installed capacity)

Darden Battery Energy Storage System

Project Highlights

The Darden Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is set to become the largest battery storage project in the US once completed. Developed by IP Darden I, LLC, a subsidiary of Intersect Power, the project integrates a 1,150 MW solar photovoltaic facility with 1,150 MW / 4,600 MWh of storage capacity. Spread across 9,500 acres of non-arable land in western Fresno County, the facility will connect to the Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) grid.

The project will deploy around 3.1 million solar panels and is designed to supply enough electricity to power 850,000 homes for four hours. It directly supports California’s goal of achieving 100 percent zero-carbon electricity sales by 2045, as mandated under Senate Bill 100. Approval was granted through the state’s Opt-in Certification program, which expedites environmental review to 270 days.

Safety measures remain a critical component of the project. California has updated its fire code and utility commission regulations following incidents at other storage facilities. The Darden project incorporates these enhanced standards, aligning with state efforts to ensure safe deployment of large-scale lithium-ion systems.

Copper Rays BESS Project

Key Highlights

The Copper Rays Solar Project combines a 700 MW photovoltaic facility with 700 MW of battery energy storage on approximately 4,414 acres of Bureau of Land Management land in Nye County, Nevada. The project will connect to the regional transmission system through a generation tie line to the existing Gamebird Substation northwest of the site.

Construction is planned in two phases and is expected to take about 54 months. Once complete, the project will deliver renewable energy to support regional grid stability and contribute to Nevada’s clean energy targets.

The Bureau of Land Management has initiated a 90-day public comment period on the project to gather input on its design, environmental considerations, and community impacts. The permitting process will determine the final scope and timeline of development.

Lunis Creek Solar + Battery Energy Storage Project

Project Overview

The Lunis Creek Battery Energy Storage System is one of the largest battery storage projects in Texas and a major addition to the ERCOT electricity market. Located at the Wharton County, the project features about 617 MW of solar generation integrated with a 621 MW battery energy storage system, making it one of the state’s largest hybrid renewable energy projects.

Texas is one of the fastest-growing battery storage markets in the United States, fueled by its competitive wholesale electricity market, increasing renewable energy capacity, and growing electricity demand. Lunis Creek is expected to increase system reliability and enable greater utilization of solar power across the ERCOT grid.

Strategic Importance

ERCOT, unlike many regulated electricity markets, allows battery operators to participate in multiple revenue streams, including energy arbitrage, ancillary services and frequency regulation. This market structure has encouraged significant private investments in utility-scale battery storage.

Lunis Creek will help:

• Balance increasing solar generation

• Improve grid resilience during extreme weather

• Support frequency regulation

• Reduce renewable energy curtailment

• Enhance transmission efficiency

Key Highlights

Lunis Creek Solar + Battery Project

Capacity (Total)

• Solar: 617 MW

• Battery Storage: 621 MW

Location: Wharton County, Texas

Companies Involved

• Project developer (public filings)

Technology: Solar PV with Lithium-ion Battery Storage

Current Status: Development

Expected Commercial Operation: 2026

Key Highlights

• One of Texas' largest hybrid renewable energy projects.

• Supports ERCOT grid reliability.

• Improves renewable energy dispatchability.

Clear Fork Creek Solar + Battery Storage Project (Texas)

Project Overview

The Clear Fork Creek Solar + Battery Storage Project represents another large-scale hybrid renewable energy development planned for Texas. The project combines approximately 600 MW of solar generation with a 600 MW battery energy storage system, making it one of the state’s largest integrated renewable energy facilities.

The project has attracted interest because it supports the growing electricity demand of industrial facilities and large commercial customers while improving flexibility to the ERCOT grid.

Battery storage enables the project to capture surplus solar generation during the day and deliver electricity in times of higher demand, maximizing the total value of renewable generation.

Strategic Importance

The Clear Fork Creek project highlights the industry's transition toward utility-scale renewable energy projects designed with integrated storage built from the outset, rather than adding storage as a later inclusion.

Key Highlights

Clear Fork Creek Solar + Battery Project

Capacity (Total)

• Solar: 600 MW

• Battery Storage: 600 MW

Location: Texas

Companies Involved

• Ørsted

Technology

Solar PV + Lithium-ion Battery Storage

Current Status: Development

Expected Commercial Operation: 2026

Key Highlights

• Large hybrid renewable project.

• Supports Texas' rapidly growing electricity demand.

• Designed for flexible renewable energy delivery.

NextEra Energy Resources' Roadhouse Project

The Roadhouse Energy Storage Project is a large-scale standalone BESS under development by NextEra Energy Resources (NEER) in Ontario, California. With a total capacity of 600 MW / 2,400 MWh, the project strengthens California’s grid reliability while supporting renewable integration.

Half of the project’s capacity, 300 MW / 1,200 MWh, has already been contracted through a utility offtake agreement at a fixed rate of USD 18.76 per kW-month. The project has also secured an interconnection agreement with the California Independent System Operator, which advances it toward construction readiness.

Roadhouse is one of NEER’s most advanced storage projects in its pipeline, with an estimated capital investment of USD 535 million. Once operational, the facility will provide flexible, dispatchable power to meet peak demand, helping reduce reliance on fossil-fuel peaker plants.

Features of Roadhouse Energy Storage:

• The project encompasses approximately 20 acres.

• Subject to local and state approvals, the project is scheduled to begin operations as early as June 2027.

Renewable development benefits the local economy as follows: 

The Roadhouse Energy Storage project is an innovative battery energy storage system proposed for San Bernardino County, California, that will have a capacity to store up to 600 megawatts of energy in 4-hour cycles. The Roadhouse Energy Storage project is a significant investment in California's energy infrastructure and economic landscape.

Short-term project benefits:

The construction phase is expected to generate direct expenditures totaling USD 79.8 million within the City of Ontario.

·       Supporting 123 construction jobs within the City of Ontario, which will contribute USD 20.6 million in labor income to the local economy.

·       Creating 74 secondary jobs across the county and contributing an additional USD 5.2 million in labor income.

·       Generating an estimated total economic output of USD 84.5 million to the city.

Long-term project benefits:

·       Post construction, Roadhouse is projected to generate approximately USD 3.6 million in direct spending annually within the City of Ontario for a total of USD 119 million over 33 years.

·       Supporting eight full-time jobs, representing USD 22 million in labor income for the local economy.

Contributing to the long-term benefits:

·       USD 119.2 million in economic output to the City of Ontario.

·       An additional USD 6.3 million in secondary economic output to support the broader San Bernardino County economy.

·       USD 2.2 million in annual property tax revenue, totaling approximately USD 72.2 million over its 33-year operational life.

Bellefield BESS Phase 2

Key Highlights

The Bellefield Solar-plus-Storage Project is one of the largest solar and battery storage projects in the United States. Acquired by AES Corporation from developer Avantus, the facility will be built in two phases, each integrating 500 MW of solar power with 500 MW / 2,000 MWh of four-hour battery storage.

Located on approximately 8,300 acres in Kern County, California, the project will connect to Southern California Edison’s Windhub Substation through a 14-mile transmission line. Once fully operational, Bellefield will deliver reliable renewable energy to the California grid while supporting the state’s clean energy transition.

Phase 1 already has a 15-year power purchase agreement with one of AES’ corporate customers, ensuring long-term revenue stability. Alberta Investment Management Corporation, which holds a 25 percent stake in AES’ growth projects, provided part of the financial backing for the acquisition.

AES will own and operate the project over the long term. Construction will also feature advanced technology, including the Maximo solar robot, which enables autonomous solar module installation to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Tehuacana Creek Solar + Battery Energy Storage Project

Project Overview

The Tehuacana Creek Solar + Battery Project is another major renewable energy investment that combines large-scale solar generation with battery storage to improve grid reliability and renewable energy utilization.

The project will feature approximately 837 MW of solar capacity and a 418 MW battery energy storage system, making it as one of the largest solar-plus-storage projects currently planned in Texas.

Projects like Tehuacana Creek will provide dispatchable, renewable power while reducing the need for conventional peaking generation, thus meeting the growing electricity demand across ERCOT.

Why the Project Matters

This project supports Texas's growing renewable energy portfolio and helps to stabilize electricity prices during periods of high demand.

Its battery component will provide the following:

• Peak demand support

• Ancillary services

• Renewable energy shifting

• Frequency regulation

• Grid stabilization

Key Highlights

Tehuacana Creek Solar + Battery Project

Capacity (Total)

• Solar: 836.8 MW

• Battery Storage: 418 MW

Location: Texas

Companies Involved

• Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners

Technology: Solar PV + Lithium-ion Battery Storage

Current Status: Development

Expected Commercial Operation: 2026

Key Highlights

• One of the largest solar-plus-storage developments in Texas.

• Provides dispatchable renewable energy to ERCOT.

• Enhances transmission flexibility.

Conclusion

Unlike traditional power plants, battery storage does not generate electricity from fuel or natural resources. Instead, it stores electricity produced elsewhere and releases it when needed, acting as a flexible, secondary source of power. The seven projects highlighted here exemplify the scale, innovation, and strategic impact of battery energy storage in the United States.

From world-record facilities like California’s Darden Clean Energy Project to rapidly advancing projects such as Bellefield and Swiftsure, these initiatives demonstrate how large-scale BESS can provide reliable, dispatchable energy, support renewable integration, and benefit local communities. As 2025 unfolds, the continued deployment of these systems will be important in shaping a cleaner, more resilient, and smarter energy grid across the nation.

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