Idaho Power is relying on new solar and energy storage projects to satiate demand for reasonably-priced and dependable electricity. The company is constructing an 80-MW battery energy storage system at its Hemingway substation in Owyhee County in addition to a 40-MW battery energy storage system adjacent to the 40-MW Black Mesa solar project in Elmore County. These are the first energy storage deployments that are of the scale of utilities. The Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC) has approved the projects in public interest.
“These battery projects are an example of how we are using new technology to make sure our customers have reliable power while we adapt to the continued growth on our system," said Mitch Colburn, vice president of Planning, Engineering and Construction. "These systems — along with the solar projects coming online and future resources identified by our long-range plan — will also move us closer to our goal of providing 100% clean energy by 2045.”
The 120 MW Jackpot Solar project, located south of Twin Falls, began providing electricity to Idaho Power in December 2022. This project, developed by Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions, is the state’s largest solar farm to date. The same developer will now build a second solar project in the same locale, and will be known as the 100-MW Franklin Solar project.
Idaho Power’s plans for this second project require IPUC approval. Franklin will also feature a 60-MW four-hour duration battery energy storage system slated to be operational in 2024, subject to the green light from the IPUC.
Idaho Power owns and operates the battery storage systems but purchases energy from the aforementioned solar power installations that are independent power producers.
It also expects the 500-kV Boardman to Hemingway transmission line to be operational by 2026. The company is assessing projects slated to be operational by 2025 and is working towards soliciting tenders to fulfill resource requirements for 2026 and 2027.
