Solar, power and training project fires up at Horn Rapids

RICHLAND, Wash.- The first utility-scale solar and battery powered project in the State of Washington has been fired up in Richland.

The 20-acre, Horn Rapids Solar, Storage & Training Project is the latest clean energy development for Energy Northwest and will feature more than 11,400 solar panels. It is slated to provide four megawatts of direct-current electricity, enough energy to power about 600 homes.

“We’re really excited to see this project come online. It’s always been Energy Northwest’s vision and purpose to provide clean-energy solutions, and this is a great example of partnering to meet the needs of the northwest customers,” said Greg Cullen, Energy Northwest’s Energy Services & Development general manager.

The City of Richland will purchase the solar and battery storage energy for its customers. Power will be directed to Richland’s distribution system, while excess electricity from the solar panels will be stored by the battery system for later use. When paired together, solar and battery storage create a more reliable and flexible source of energy.

“The City of Richland is very happy to be home to the HRSST project. The training center and project construction and maintenance jobs have a positive effect on our economy,” said Clint Whitney, City of Richland Energy Services Director. “In addition, purchasing the renewable, carbon-free energy generated from HRSST will enable the City to provide customers more clean energy and help the electric utility meet the State requirements for a carbon-free future.”

In addition to the battery system and solar field, Horn Rapids also houses a training program for solar and battery storage technicians. The training program will be run and managed by Potelco, Inc., an electric utility contracting firm based in Sumner, Wash.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the project is slated for Tuesday at 10:30am.