A 100-MW battery energy storage system will start construction next year the site of the Platte River Power Authority's Black Hollow 257-MW solar energy project soon to operate in Severance, Colo.
The battery system will connect to a new substation integrated into Platte River’s transmission network. Weld Energy Storage, a subsidiary of NextEra based in Juno Beach, Florida, will own and operate the facility under a long-term energy storage services agreement. The project is in the permitting phase, with construction expected to begin in early 2026.
Adjacent to the battery site, the 257-MW Black Hollow solar project, developed with Qcells USA Corp., began construction last summer and is set to be completed next month. It will serve the communities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont, and Loveland, becoming one of Colorado’s largest solar plants. Phase two, adding 107 MW in 2026, will bring the total capacity to 257 MW, increasing Platte River’s solar capacity to 309 MW.
The projects align with Platte River’s strategy to phase out coal-fired power plants. The utility plans to retire Craig Unit 1 by the end of 2025, Craig Unit 2 in 2028, and Rawhide Unit 1 by 2029, in line with Colorado’s plan to close or convert its remaining four coal plants by 2030. Platte River, headquartered in Fort Collins, provides wholesale electricity to four municipal utilities serving over 150,000 customers in northern Colorado.
Platte River stated: “The projects are part of the utility’s efforts to actively pursue a 100% noncarbon energy mix.” The battery storage system will enhance grid reliability and support the integration of renewable energy, contributing to the region’s sustainable energy goals.
