Florence, AZ – Florence residents will soon have the opportunity to learn more about a proposed non-lithium battery storage center code-named “Desert Bloom”, the latest addition to Salt River Project’s (SRP) Copper Crossing Energy and Research Center. The Florence Planning and Zoning Commission is set to hear a presentation for a Design Review of the facility on Thursday, October 17th.
Innovative Battery Technology
The proposed battery storage center will utilize CMBlu Energy’s Organic SolidFlow battery technology. This innovative system, announced in August 2023, is designed to store 5 megawatts (MW) of energy for up to 10 hours, enough to power approximately 1,125 average homes during that period.
CMBlu’s technology stands out for its use of non-flammable materials and a proprietary mixture of solid electrolyte and water-based electrolytes. The batteries are fully recyclable and free of rare metals, aligning with SRP’s sustainability goals. Importantly, this system is expected to cost-effectively store and deliver energy for two to three times longer per cycle than traditional lithium-ion technology.
Copper Crossing Project Status
The “Desert Bloom” battery storage center is part of the third phase of SRP’s Copper Crossing Energy and Research Center development. The project has been progressing steadily:
- Phase I, which includes the installation of two flexible natural gas turbines generating 99 MW of energy, is well underway. Construction began in November 2022, with equipment deliveries continuing through spring 2024.
- Phase II, approved in December 2022, will add 55 MW of large-scale solar generation across 270 acres. Construction was underway in summer 2024.
- Phase III, focusing on long-duration energy storage, now includes the Desert Blume project. Construction is expected to start in early 2025, with the project becoming operational by late 2025.
Future Outlook
The Copper Crossing project continues to evolve, with SRP actively seeking additional innovative energy storage solutions. In June 2024, SRP issued a Request for Proposal for a second long-duration energy storage project at the site. This project aims for a capacity of 5-50 MW with a 10-hour duration and a target online date no later than 2028.
These developments are part of SRP’s broader strategy to meet the growing energy demands of the Phoenix metropolitan area while transitioning to a more sustainable and lower-carbon resource mix. The utility expects that nearly half of all retail energy delivered to SRP customers will come from carbon-free resources by 2025.
As the Copper Crossing Energy and Research Center continues to develop, it promises to play a crucial role in shaping the future of energy generation and storage in Pinal County and beyond. Residents interested in learning more about the proposed battery storage center and its potential impact on the community are encouraged to attend the Florence Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on October 17th.
For more information about the Copper Crossing Energy Project see https://www.srpnet.com/grid-water-management/grid-management/improvement-projects/copper-crossing
