Expected to reach commercial operations in Q3 2024, Bear Canyon Energy Storage (“BCES”) is a 13-megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system (“BESS”) on the repurposed Bear Canyon geothermal facility site at The Geysers. BCES will use lithium-ion battery technology to store electricity (charge mode) at times of excess generation and/or low demand and then deliver electricity (discharge mode) back to the grid for use in periods of high demand. The BESS will have a 4-hour discharge capability resulting in the ability to discharge a total of 52 megawatt-hours (MWh). 

In addition, BCES will have the ability to provide other services such as regulating voltage for protection of the grid. 

Bear Canyon At A Glance

  • 13 MW/ 52 MWh (4-hour duration)
  • Lithium-ion technology