Texas’ strained power grid is set to receive a major boost as Lydian Energy announced it has secured $233 million in financing for three large-scale battery storage projects. The Washington, D.C. based independent power producer closed the deal on July 9, with funding from ING and KeyBank.
The company plans to add 550 megawatts (MW) of battery energy storage capacity to the ERCOT grid through projects in Crane, Pecos, and San Patricio counties. According to Lydian, all three sites are expected to be operational by the end of 2025.
“This financing marks an important step forward as we continue executing on our vision to scale transformative battery storage projects that meet the evolving energy needs of the communities we serve,” said Lydian CEO Emre Ersenkal in a statement.
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) allow excess electricity, often from solar or wind sources, to be stored and dispatched during periods of peak demand or generation shortfall. Each 100 MW of battery capacity can power roughly 75,000 homes, depending on usage and duration.
The three planned sites include a 200 MW in Crane County, near Odessa, 150 MW in Pecos County, in West Texas, and a 200 MW in San Patricio County, near Corpus Christi.
These installations come at a time when Texas is rapidly expanding its renewable energy capacity, but also grappling with grid reliability concerns following recent extreme weather events.
While the projects are widely viewed as a step forward for grid resilience, some Texans have raised safety concerns. Lithium-ion batteries can pose fire risks, especially if damaged or improperly maintained. Although large-scale BESS incidents are rare, lawmakers in Texas have introduced legislation aimed at regulating the placement and safety protocols for such facilities.
The debate reflects a broader tension between the push for clean energy innovation and public concerns about health and safety. Still, industry experts say that modern battery systems are equipped with multiple layers of protection and are subject to rigorous engineering standards.
Lydian’s investment underscores the growing role of energy storage in meeting Texas’ electricity demands and balancing its increasingly renewable-heavy grid.
As Ersenkal put it, the projects are “not just about reliability — they’re about the future of energy in Texas.”
