Texas public power utility Austin Energy is taking a major step forward in meeting the city’s climate and reliability goals, agreeing to a large-scale battery storage contract with Jupiter Power to provide up to 100 megawatts of electricity from a utility-scale battery storage facility, the utility said on Oct. 23.
This initiative supports Austin Energy’s goal of achieving 125 megawatts of battery storage by the end of 2027.
"This battery storage project boosts our grid, but it’s more than an investment in infrastructure — it’s a commitment to a cleaner, more resilient energy future for Austin,” said Austin, Texas, Mayor Kirk Watson. “We’re harnessing innovation, we’re strengthening reliability, supporting renewables and delivering on our promise to serve our community sustainably."
This project represents the largest battery storage initiative in Austin Energy’s history, marking a significant investment in innovation and reliability for the community it has served for more than 130 years, it said.
The agreement is valued at an estimated $14.4 million per year, with a term of up to 20 years, for a total estimated amount of $288 million.
“This agreement reflects a commitment to modernize the grid and ensure reliable, sustainable energy for Austin Energy customers,” said Stuart Reilly, Austin Energy interim general manager. “Battery storage is an important component of our energy strategy, and we’re proud to bring this emerging technology online to benefit our community.”
Utility-scale battery integration is a part of Austin Energy’s Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2035, which provides a flexible path to a clean energy future that incorporates the community’s core values of reliability, affordability, environmental sustainability and energy equity.
"By expanding our portfolio of flexible, dispatchable resources, Austin Energy is building a more adaptable grid—one capable of supporting renewable growth while ensuring the reliability that customers expect. This project not only advances Austin’s climate goals but also strengthens the foundations for future resource planning, including the strategic use of peaking resources (power sources needed to maintain system reliability only used when electricity demand is highest)," it said.
