Equinor's most significant battery energy storage endeavor in the United States is now operational in South Texas. This facility introduces 100 megawatts (MW) of adaptable capacity to the state's rapidly growing power infrastructure, marking a pivotal step in enhancing grid resilience and sustainable energy supply.

The Citrus Flatts Energy Center, a 100 MW/200 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery situated in Harlingen, Cameron County, was developed and is managed by East Point Energy, a wholly-owned US battery storage subsidiary of Equinor. East Point secured this project from Black Mountain Energy Storage in late 2023. This is East Point's second battery system to commence commercial operations, following the 10 MW/20 MWh Sunset Ridge Energy Center in Frio County last year. Combined, these two battery storage projects are capable of supplying sufficient electricity to power approximately 30,000 Texan households for up to two hours. The battery will function entirely on a merchant basis within the ERCOT power market, generating revenue by purchasing and storing electricity during periods of low prices, selling it when prices escalate, and offering grid services. Equinor's energy trading arm, Danske Commodities, will oversee market operations and portfolio optimization. Andrew Foukal, CEO of East Point Energy, highlighted that this initiative is expected to generate substantial tax revenue for local priorities, reinforce the electrical grid, and help maintain affordable energy costs for families and businesses amidst surging energy demand across Texas.

Texas is experiencing a remarkable expansion in solar and battery storage installations. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts that utility-scale solar will produce 78 billion kilowatt-hours in ERCOT by 2026, surpassing coal for the first time. Furthermore, ERCOT's battery capacity is projected to increase from around 15 GW in 2025 to 37 GW by the close of 2027. Equinor also announced that its forthcoming US projects, totaling four batteries with an 80 MW/160 MWh capacity, are currently under construction in Virginia and are expected to be integrated into the PJM power market by early 2027.

The activation of Equinor's largest US battery storage facility in Texas represents a significant stride towards a more sustainable and reliable energy future. Such investments are crucial for meeting escalating energy demands, stabilizing grids, and promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources, ultimately benefiting communities through enhanced energy security and economic growth.