BHE Montana begins construction of new 75-megawatt energy storage system

Posted on September 13, 2024 by Dave Kovaleski

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BHE Montana has begun construction on a new 75-megawatt battery storage system in Cut Bank, Montana.

BHE Montana’s Glacier Battery system will be used to support a schedule of intermittent, renewable generation from BHE Montana’s wind and solar resources. The battery, with two hours of energy storage, will add an additional layer of resilience to Montana’s power grid.

“Today is an important milestone for BHE Montana as we continue to drive growth in Montana and across the region,” said Nancy Murray, president of BHE Montana. “The Glacier Battery system will add an additional layer of stability to the West’s power grid and increase support for our portfolio of renewable generation assets.”

The Glacier Battery system is expected to be operational by the end of 2025. The system will be connected to the Montana-Alberta link line.

“This investment ushers in a new era for electricity in Montana, opening the door to significant new opportunities for energy production, transmission and utilization throughout Montana,” said Brett Doney, president and CEO of Great Falls Development Alliance. “We appreciate BHE Montana’s continued investment in renewable energy 24/7 and look forward to partnering with them to create greater economic opportunity in the Great Falls Montana region.”

BHE Montana operates the 189-megawatt Rim Rock wind farm near Kevin, Montana, as well as the 105-megawatt Glacier I and 103.5-megawatt Glacier II wind farms in southeastern Glacier County and southwestern Toole County in northern Montana.

BHE Montana recently announced plans to develop Glacier Solar Park, a new 100-megawatt solar power project.