Ørsted Announces New Battery Energy Storage System in Fort Bend County
Old 300 Storage is the company’s 12th project in Texas, cementing its role as a top energy generator in the state
HOUSTON – April 1, 2025 – Ørsted, a leading global renewable energy company, today announced construction of a 250 MW/500 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Needville, Texas, highlighting the company’s further expansion into battery energy storage. With more than 11 GW of U.S. energy projects in development, construction and operations, the new battery energy storage system is part of Ørsted’s $20 billion investment to build American energy to meet growing demand with affordable, reliable electricity.
The 430 MW Old 300 Solar project, one of the largest to come online in the U.S. in 2024, reached commercial operations last year and is providing power to roughly 80,000 homes and businesses in Texas. The storage project is located on the same land that is leased for Old 300 Solar, with the battery system built and operated independently from the solar project. Construction at the site has commenced and is expected to create nearly 100 jobs before it is completed in 2026. The storage project will insert over $40 million into the local tax base in Fort Bend County over its operational life.
“Battery energy storage has played a large role in providing much needed power to ERCOT in times of tight supply and demand margins,” said Amanda Dasch, CEO of Ørsted Region Americas. “Our Old 300 Storage project will further strengthen grid reliability by providing additional resources to Texas grid operators and allowing for more diverse and localized energy options as electricity demand continues to grow.”
As part of a commitment to support the buildout of a domestic energy supply chain, Ørsted procured the batteries from American manufacturer, Tesla, an industry-leader in storage technology. Tesla Megapacks, which will be used at Old 300 Storage, are purpose-built utility-scale batteries with a strong track record for performance and safety. These batteries meet the most stringent codes and standards for safety and installation guidelines and have been deployed successfully across Texas and throughout the United States. Ørsted has also proactively worked with the Fort Bend County Fire Marshall to devise an emergency response mitigation plan and will facilitate on-site fire safety trainings with local first responders.
Due to economic growth and opportunity, Texas increased power generation by 35 percent over the last four years, with over 90 percent of added electricity coming from solar, storage, and wind. In 2024, ERCOT projected demand could grow by more than 50 percent in five years, highlighting the importance of building new generation from multiple sources. Both Old 300 Solar and Storage projects are examples of multi-technology solutions helping to meet this demand challenge, ensuring a stable and reliable grid.
“Fort Bend County has been an important location for Ørsted’s energy development in Texas, and we are excited to see operations in the area expand as a point of pride for our team,” said Robert Stochl, Plant Manager of the Old 300 project at Ørsted. “We look forward to continue working in the local community and providing resources for the energy needs of our state.”
About Ørsted
A global clean energy leader, Ørsted develops, constructs, and operates offshore and land-based wind farms, solar farms, energy storage facilities, and bioenergy plants.
In the United States, the company has approximately 800 employees and a portfolio of American energy assets from the Northeast to the Gulf and many states across the country, all delivering affordable and reliable energy. In total, the company has approximately 11 gigawatts of American energy projects in development, construction, and operation. Ørsted operates America’s first offshore wind farm off the coast of Block Island, the country’s first utility-scale offshore wind farm, South Fork Wind, and one of the country’s largest battery storage facilities located in Arizona. To learn more about the Ørsted U.S. business, visit us.orsted.com or follow the company on X (@OrstedUS), Instagram, and Facebook.
Media Contact:
Charlotte Bellotte
Cbell@orsted.com
857-286-1989
The 430 MW Old 300 Solar project, one of the largest to come online in the U.S. in 2024, reached commercial operations last year and is providing power to roughly 80,000 homes and businesses in Texas. The storage project is located on the same land that is leased for Old 300 Solar, with the battery system built and operated independently from the solar project. Construction at the site has commenced and is expected to create nearly 100 jobs before it is completed in 2026. The storage project will insert over $40 million into the local tax base in Fort Bend County over its operational life.
“Battery energy storage has played a large role in providing much needed power to ERCOT in times of tight supply and demand margins,” said Amanda Dasch, CEO of Ørsted Region Americas. “Our Old 300 Storage project will further strengthen grid reliability by providing additional resources to Texas grid operators and allowing for more diverse and localized energy options as electricity demand continues to grow.”
As part of a commitment to support the buildout of a domestic energy supply chain, Ørsted procured the batteries from American manufacturer, Tesla, an industry-leader in storage technology. Tesla Megapacks, which will be used at Old 300 Storage, are purpose-built utility-scale batteries with a strong track record for performance and safety. These batteries meet the most stringent codes and standards for safety and installation guidelines and have been deployed successfully across Texas and throughout the United States. Ørsted has also proactively worked with the Fort Bend County Fire Marshall to devise an emergency response mitigation plan and will facilitate on-site fire safety trainings with local first responders.
Due to economic growth and opportunity, Texas increased power generation by 35 percent over the last four years, with over 90 percent of added electricity coming from solar, storage, and wind. In 2024, ERCOT projected demand could grow by more than 50 percent in five years, highlighting the importance of building new generation from multiple sources. Both Old 300 Solar and Storage projects are examples of multi-technology solutions helping to meet this demand challenge, ensuring a stable and reliable grid.
“Fort Bend County has been an important location for Ørsted’s energy development in Texas, and we are excited to see operations in the area expand as a point of pride for our team,” said Robert Stochl, Plant Manager of the Old 300 project at Ørsted. “We look forward to continue working in the local community and providing resources for the energy needs of our state.”
About Ørsted
A global clean energy leader, Ørsted develops, constructs, and operates offshore and land-based wind farms, solar farms, energy storage facilities, and bioenergy plants.
In the United States, the company has approximately 800 employees and a portfolio of American energy assets from the Northeast to the Gulf and many states across the country, all delivering affordable and reliable energy. In total, the company has approximately 11 gigawatts of American energy projects in development, construction, and operation. Ørsted operates America’s first offshore wind farm off the coast of Block Island, the country’s first utility-scale offshore wind farm, South Fork Wind, and one of the country’s largest battery storage facilities located in Arizona. To learn more about the Ørsted U.S. business, visit us.orsted.com or follow the company on X (@OrstedUS), Instagram, and Facebook.
Media Contact:
Charlotte Bellotte
Cbell@orsted.com
857-286-1989