Clearway Energy Group has secured financing and commenced construction on its Honeycomb portfolio, a collection of four battery energy storage system (BESS) projects located next to its existing solar energy portfolio. Each project will have an 80-megawatt (MW) capacity, utilizing four-hour Tesla batteries, with a combined storage capacity of 1,280 MWh of dispatchable power.
Clearway has been operating clean and reliable energy assets in Utah since 2008 and is expanding its presence with the Honeycomb portfolio, bringing its total fleet in the state to 869 megawatts. According to Steve Ryder, Chief Financial Officer for Clearway, the Honeycomb battery energy storage systems represent a significant investment in Utah’s grid stability while advancing the state’s energy security goals. He acknowledged the support of financial partners, PacifiCorp, and the Iron and Beaver County communities in delivering reliable, dispatchable power to the region.
U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) stated that Utah has long been a leader in energy innovation, and the Honeycomb BESS portfolio represents another step toward providing clean, reliable, and dispatchable power to local communities. He emphasized that by expanding battery storage capacity within the state, Clearway Energy Group is contributing to solutions that enhance both the economy and the environment.
Honeycomb is contracted with PacifiCorp under a 20-year toll agreement that provides the utility with dispatchable, reliable power. To finance the $605 million portfolio, Clearway assembled a bank consortium consisting of KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., CoBank ACB, DNB Bank ASA, New York Branch, U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance (a U.S. Bank subsidiary), National Australia Bank Limited, Bank of America, National Association, and Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale, New York Branch.
Clearway partnered with Rosendin on the project’s construction, which will create up to fifty above-prevailing-wage jobs. Approximately 15 percent of total worked hours will be fulfilled by apprentices.
Jen Wakeland, Strategic Development Director in Beaver County, highlighted the county’s leadership in renewable energy innovation, emphasizing that the implementation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) reflects this commitment. She stated that by integrating advanced storage solutions, the county is maximizing the value of its renewable energy resources, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and long-term sustainability for the community and beyond.
Once operational, Honeycomb is expected to generate $60 million in property and sales taxes over the project’s lifetime, supporting local schools, hospitals, and public services. The projects are scheduled to achieve commercial operation in 2026.
