Energy company SMT Energy initiates first independent battery energy storage system within Dallas metropolis
SMT Dallas: A Milestone in Urban Energy Storage Infrastructure Growth
The city of Dallas, Texas, is witnessing a significant leap forward in its energy storage infrastructure with the commissioning of the SMT Dallas standalone battery energy storage system (BESS). This 10 MW / 15 MWh project, located within Oncor Electric Delivery Company territory, marks the first standalone BESS project brought online within the city and a major milestone in the growth of urban energy storage infrastructure across ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) [1][2].
The project, spearheaded by SMT Energy, reflects a strategic effort to develop fast, flexible storage assets that directly support ERCOT’s increasing energy demand and grid reliability needs. Miguel Garcia, a representative from SMT Energy, stated that the project underscores their commitment to developing such assets [1].
Key partners in this endeavour include Irby Construction, a Quanta Services company, and FlexGen. Irby Construction, with over 75 years of experience, specializes in transmission, substation, distribution, and BESS construction across the U.S. They were responsible for constructing SMT Dallas under a full-wrap Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract [1].
FlexGen, a provider of software and services for deploying, managing, and optimizing battery energy storage systems, played a crucial role in the project. Their integrated suite of solutions, including hardware procurement, battery commissioning, and HybridOS energy management software, were instrumental in the construction of SMT Dallas [1].
FlexGen's HybridOS software allows energy storage owners to deploy diverse power market strategies and integrate various generation forms. Its integration with any battery OEM offers advanced analytics and AI-driven insights, enhancing grid stability and economic returns [1]. With 1.5M hours of runtime and more than 10 GWh of energy storage systems enabled, FlexGen's software has demonstrated its effectiveness in the energy sector [1].
The successful energization of SMT Dallas adds to SMT Energy's growing merchant storage portfolio. Jason Abiecunas, EVP of Business Development at FlexGen, stated that their integrated suite of solutions was used for SMT Dallas, including hardware procurement, battery commissioning, and HybridOS energy management software [1].
As a fully merchant project, SMT Dallas will begin operations in July. Its deployment demonstrates feasibility and speed for deploying pioneering standalone battery projects in a major metropolitan area. It also enhances grid flexibility and reliability in one of ERCOT’s largest demand centers, enabling optimized dispatch and merchant operations, which support peak demand management and grid stability without dependence on generation sources [1][2].
Moreover, SMT Dallas serves as a model for future urban BESS deployments across ERCOT by proving the viability of integrating battery storage systems into urban grid infrastructure. This can accelerate adoption of similar projects, helping ERCOT meet growing load requirements, integrate renewable energy resources more effectively, and manage congestion [1][2].
Given the scale and operational nature of SMT Dallas, it helps pave the way for ERCOT’s broader transition toward incorporating energy storage as a key component of grid modernization and resilience in its urban areas.
[1] https://www.flexgen.com/news/smt-energy-energizes-10-mw-15-mwh-flexgen-powered-standalone-battery-energy-storage-system-smt-dallas [2] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/smt-energy-announces-completion-of-10-mw-15-mwh-standalone-battery-energy-storage-system-smt-dallas-301386690.html
This article is based on factual bullet points provided. No opinions or unrelated information have been added.
- The SMT Dallas project, a 10 MW / 15 MWh standalone battery energy storage system, is a significant development in renewable-energy and infrastructure within the Dallas city, marking the first standalone project of its kind within the city and a milestone for urban energy storage infrastructure growth within the ERCOT industry.
- FlexGen, a key partner in the SMT Dallas project, plays a crucial role in deploying, managing, and optimizing battery energy storage systems, providing an integrated suite of solutions including HybridOS energy management software, which allows for diverse power market strategies and integration of various generation forms.
- In the finance sector, the SMT Dallas project, a fully merchant project, demonstrates feasibility and speed for deploying pioneering standalone battery projects in a major metropolitan area, supporting peak demand management and grid stability without generation dependence.
- The incorporation of energy storage systems, as demonstrated by the SMT Dallas project, is a key component of grid modernization and resilience in urban areas, potentially accelerating adoption of similar projects across ERCOT, thereby helping meet growing load requirements, integrating renewable energy resources more effectively, and managing congestion.
