Jason Frisbie, Platte River’s general manager and CEO, stated: “We are pleased to partner with NextEra Energy Resources to develop our first large-scale battery energy storage project, Weld Energy Storage, which is one part of our solution to maintain reliability.” He noted their successful history with NextEra, which built the Roundhouse Wind Energy Center—the largest wind project in Platte River’s system—operational since 2020. Frisbie added: “NextEra Energy Resources continues to be essential in helping us with our energy transition.”
The project supports Platte River’s goal of achieving a 100% non-carbon energy mix while ensuring reliability, environmental care, and financial stability for its four owner towns. Located in Severance, Colorado, next to Platte River’s biggest solar facility, the battery system will store 100 MW of power, dischargeable over four hours, and integrate smoothly with existing renewable sources. It will connect via a new substation linked to Platte River’s transmission network. Weld Energy Storage will own and operate the facility under a long-term agreement, with operations starting in late 2026.
Anthony Pedroni, vice president of development at NextEra Energy Resources, said: “We are excited to continue working alongside Platte River, a leading utility in the state of Colorado.” He expressed gratitude for Platte River’s trust, adding: “We thank Platte River for entrusting us with the development of their first battery energy storage project which will deliver important reliability benefits to Platte River’s customers and the state.” NextEra, a major U.S. energy infrastructure developer, already operates two battery storage sites in Colorado, with a third, Jackson Fuller Energy Storage, nearing completion.
This battery project is one of three strategies Platte River is using to maintain reliability while shifting from coal to wind and solar. Frisbie explained: “We’re in the middle of deploying 5 MW of distribution-level energy storage projects in each owner community, building out a virtual power plant and seeking to permit state-of-the-art aeroderivative turbines. Together, these resources are critical to maintaining the reliability and financial sustainability of our renewable energy portfolio.” Construction is set to begin in early 2026, pending permits, advancing Platte River’s clean energy objectives.
