A new 100-MW energy storage facility has entered commercial operation in Harlingen, Texas, marking renewable energy developer East Point Energy’s second operational project in the state.

The 100-MW/200 MWh Citrus Flatts Energy Center project, which officially went online Thursday, now joins East Point’s Sunset Ridge facility that began operations last year in Frio County, Texas. Together, the battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects can reportedly supply enough electricity to power roughly 30,000 homes for up to two hours within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) power market.

According to a company release, this latest project signals a scalable position in onshore power for parent company Equinor. The Norwegian state-controlled multinational oil and gas company entered the energy storage market and successfully brought five total BESS facilities into commercial operation over the past four years.

Both projects, Equinor states, will operate on a fully merchant basis in ERCOT, generating revenue by buying and selling power directly on the wholesale electricity market. It aligns with what Equinor outlines for East Point’s progression from developer to an independent power producer (IPP) across the Texas value chain.

“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, in a statement.

Texas is simultaneously the largest U.S. oil and gas state and its largest renewable energy state, and therefore benefiting from the flexibility provided by battery storage.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that Texas’ renewable sources generated 30% of the total in-state electricity in 2024. Texas accounted for roughly 17% of the nation's total electricity generation from renewable sources.

Battery storage is playing a critical role in strengthening energy security and grid stability amid the rise in power demand from hyperscalers and AI data centers. But the rise in Texas demand could become a concern if power generation capacity additions don't keep pace. 

Storing excess power generated on the grid from projects like Citrus Flatts helps reserve and release this energy during peak demand. The process balances overall supply, enhances reliability and supports affordability for ratepayers.

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

Beyond Texas, Equinor notes that construction is underway on its battery storage portfolio in Virginia’s PJM power market. Totalling 80 MW across four projects, the company states it is on track to reach commercial operation in early 2027.