Enabling a flexible future for ERCOT

Adding stability to Texas' grid

Amidst a rising frequency of extreme weather events, increasing penetration of intermittent resources and the need for fast-responding generation in Texas, the state needs more flexible resource solutions like energy storage for grid support and energy resource optimisation.

With over 500 megawatt-hours (MWh) of capacity as a combined project, Madero and Ignacio provides the longest duration of any energy storage assets currently operating in ERCOT through the facility’s multi-hour continuous dispatch capability.

Meeting market needs with industry-leading hardware and new software applications

The facilities are optimised with both Eolian and Wärtsilä’s software solutions. Wärtsilä’s GEMS Digital Energy Platform is a critical aspect of the system, which monitors and controls the flow of energy, enabling these projects to provide grid support during periods of grid instability. With Wärtsilä’s Storage+ solution, the projects will deliver key ancillary services required for grid stability, such as fast frequency response and frequency regulation. The Madero and Ignacio sites are the first systems to use GEMS to qualify for fast frequency response in the ERCOT market.

The project includes Wärtsilä’s Quantum, a fully integrated modular and compact energy storage system that offers the lowest life cycle costs, fastest deployment times, highest quality control and maximum flexibility.

Who	Eolian
What	200 MW / 500 MWh+
Where	South Texas, USA

This is what we achieved

200

MW of energy storage capacity

500

MWh+ of energy storage capacity

In the midst of an uncertain market redesign process, Eolian invested hundreds of millions of dollars to construct these projects using cutting-edge technology. Madero and Ignacio are the definition of functional dispatchability and will keep the lights on while keeping electricity affordable.

Aaron Zubaty, CEO, Eolian

How we did it

Challenge

Meet the rapidly evolving flexibility and reliability needs of the ERCOT market
Deliver grid infrastructure during a difficult period including a global pandemic and severe supply chain disruptions

Solution

Completed project on time and without large cost disruptions
GEMS monitors and controls the flow of energy
Wärtsilä’s Storage+ solution delivers key ancillary services required for grid stability

Benefit

Flexible capacity for grid support and energy resource optimisation to ensure a smooth transition from older inflexible generation
Improve grid stability in Texas after several extreme weather events with fast-ramping resources that can quickly adjust to unforeseen conditions driven by supply or demand volatility
Provide year-round reliable operational ramping capacity in ERCOT

Questions? Contact us

The main details

Customer	Eolian
Site size	200 MW / 500 MWh+
Site location	South Texas, USA
Application(s)	Fast Frequency Response (FFR), Frequency Regulation, Responsive Reserve Service (RRS), Storage+
Scope of services	Engineered Equipment Delivery (EEQ), Service+ GAP
Delivery	2023