Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) have formally acquired the Beehive Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This landmark project has a capacity of 250MW / 4-hour duration and is based in Peoria, Arizona. CIP Paired Electric Company. This acquisition is a huge victory for CIP. This shows their dedication to pushing energy infrastructure and enhancing renewable energy projects all over the United States. The Beehive facility is expected to start commercial operations in the first half of 2026.
Beehive will definitely be an important piece of the puzzle in making sure demand for energy in Arizona doesn’t outstrip supply. The facility provides conservation energy at the times with the highest amount of renewable generation. It then releases that energy back to the grid during peak periods when demand is high. This operational strategy will improve energy supply reliability for nearly 1.4 million households and businesses. It’s going to shape the future of the 11-county region.
Enhancing Energy Capacity
The Beehive project has a remarkable 1,000 MWh storage capacity. It will do so without substantially aiding the Arizona Public Service Company’s (APS) rapidly increasing energy and capacity needs. Beehive will deliver clean, dispatchable energy and critical grid services to customers under a 20-year tolling agreement with APS. This collaboration is critical to help us meet the increasing demand for reliable electricity in the most effective way possible.
The Beehive facility is expected to begin construction in early 2025. CIP will be the lead organization on the project for its remaining stages. The company’s participation highlights its commitment to adopting cutting-edge energy technologies and enhancing renewable energy assets.
“With electricity demand rapidly increasing in the Southwest, we anticipate battery storage will play a critical role in powering innovation and economic growth.” – Tim Evans
Strategic Importance of Beehive
Beehive is a landmark investment, not just for CIP, but for the country’s energy infrastructure as a whole. Its sophisticated design allows for advanced energy monitoring and control. Together, this model maximizes the potential of renewables and reduces dependence on increasingly less available traditional fossil fuels. This approach fits into bigger objectives of improving sustainability – a common goal within the energy sector.
Beehive is the second stand-alone energy storage project that EDF Power Solutions North America has developed. The project paints an exciting picture of the leadership that we’re bringing to bear on this new energy landscape. We build close collaboration that adds project value from start to finish.
“EDF power solutions actively seeks partnerships across all stages of a project’s lifecycle, with an eye toward both optimizing our portfolio and maximizing value creation.” – Ryan Pfaff
Looking Ahead
The renewable energy revolution is shifting into high gear. Innovations in the Energy Frontier Projects like Beehive continue to place CIP and its partners at the cutting edge of energy innovation. The new Beehive facility will be home to advanced battery storage technology. This new focus will revitalize local economies and build a more sustainable and resilient energy future.