Energy reliability in Virginia
Tenaska is developing a battery energy storage system (BESS) in Loudoun County. This facility would add reliability to the regional power grid, as well as generate tax revenue and other economic benefits for the community. This is important to the Commonwealth because energy storage helps with grid fluctuations in supply and demand, optimizes efficiency, alleviates transmission congestion and reduces overall energy system costs. The result is an energy solution that can help keep your utility bills from increasing and keep the lights on.
Our team looks forward to working with the local community to make the project — and its many benefits — a reality.
Proposed Spoonbill Energy Storage facility
Tenaska is developing a battery energy storage system, Spoonbill Energy Storage, in Loudoun County. BESS facilities play a crucial role in storing excess energy for later use, providing grid resiliency and reliability. As envisioned, the Spoonbill facility would have the capacity to store 425 megawatts of electricity.
We believe this area has the right mix of characteristics for a project like this to be successful: growing electricity demand, access to transmission infrastructure and a community that’s supportive of its benefits.
On our current timeline, we anticipate a three- to four-year development period. Assuming we obtain all necessary permits and approvals, construction is expected to start in 2029.
Meeting Virginia’s energy needs
Tenaska has maintained a presence in Virginia for more than 20 years. We have a reputation for developing safe, reliable, energy projects and for being a good business neighbor.
Spoonbill Energy Storage is under development in response to Virginia’s growing energy crisis. Demand for electricity is expected to double over the next decade, but the Commonwealth already can’t produce enough power to meet its own needs and relies heavily on electricity from other states. Battery storage can help alleviate this burden by storing excess power during periods of low demand and dispatching it when power is in short supply, ensuring that the lights stay on during high demand and extreme weather.
We believe Spoonbill Energy Storage will not only enhance energy reliability for the region but also provide significant economic benefits for Loudoun County. We look forward to working with the Loudoun County community to make this investment a reality.
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Benefitting Loudoun County’s economy
We have commissioned an economic impact study by Mangum Economics to quantify the local benefits of the project. At a high level, we expect:
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Job opportunities
The construction of the facility is expected to span up to two years, and is projected to generate approximately 130 well-paying jobs for the local economy.
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Long-term investment
During construction and operation, the facility is expected to be a $650+ million investment in the local economy. Over 25 years of operation, Spoonbill is estimated to bring in more than $78 million in cumulative county revenue.
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Community support
Our facilities and employees have a record of supporting community efforts through volunteer hours and/or monetary support. This may include scholarship programs, community funds or other types of local giving.
Project updates
Tenaska is currently talking to state and local stakeholders about the proposed Spoonbill Energy Storage facility.
Visit our news page to read the latest updates.
Our approach to battery storage development
Over the past 35 years, Tenaska has earned a reputation for developing responsible energy projects and being a good business neighbor. We have developed more than 13 GW of natural gas-fueled and renewable energy generating facilities and currently have more than 33 GW of energy projects in the development pipeline, including battery storage.
Demand for battery storage continues to grow. We work with landowners to develop battery storage projects where there is nearby access to a substation and a community that is receptive to its benefits.
Watch this video to learn more about BESS facilities, how they work and their associated benefits.
Focus on safety
Safety is at the forefront of all Tenaska-developed battery storage projects, starting with development and design and continuing through construction and operations.
Purpose-built enclosures, improved battery chemistries and input from first responders and third-party industry safety professionals keep our facilities safe. We work hard to design facilities that are protective of employees, residents and the environment.
Watch this video to learn more about how BESS facilities are safely set up and operated.
