Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) has started commercial operations at its 112.5 MW/450 MWh Sierra Pinta BESS in Yuma County, Arizona (United States) (LRE, 10/02/2026). The project is designed to store energy when demand is low to be delivered during peak demand periods to strengthen the grid and support a cost-effective power delivery. The facility is expected to support Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) and is part of LRE’s six-phase rollout plan in Yuma. With the connection of the Sierra Pinta facility, LRE’s combined capacity in the region reaches more than 290 MW.
In addition, BrightNight has broken ground at the site where it plans to develop its 300 MW/1.2 GWh Pioneer Clean Energy Centre, also in Yuma County (BrightNight, 11/02/2026). The project will include a 300 MW solar park and a 300 MW/1,200 MWh BESS. It is expected to deliver more than 900 GWh/year, enough to power about 77,000 homes and businesses once operational. The company plans to develop a 230 kV generation-tie transmission line connecting the project to the grid. Construction began in October 2025 and commercial operations are expected to start in April 2027.