Utility CPS Energy and IPP Eolian have begun operating Padua 1, a 50MW/100MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) located in Bexar County, Texas, US.
Padua is owned and operated by Eolian. The project has been delivered in response to a request for proposals (RFP) seeking 50MW of battery storage that CPS launched in 2020.
In 2023, CPS Energy signed a storage capacity agreement for Padua 1 with Eolian. This project supports the utility’s Vision 2027 strategy, which “emphasises reliable, resilient, and cleaner energy solutions to serve San Antonio’s growing population.”
Padua 1 is directly connected to the CPS Energy grid and is configured to charge during times of surplus electricity. This ensures that capacity is readily available for deployment during peak system cost periods and times of greatest demand.
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Padua 1’s completion comes after CPS Energy’s 2024 announcement of agreements for an additional 350MW of battery storage capacity, which encompasses Padua 2, a 150MW/600MWh system, and Ferdinand, a 200MW/800MWh system. Eolian developed both projects.
At the time that those projects were announced, Rudy D. Garza, president and CEO of CPS Energy, said: “This is another step in executing on our Vision 2027 generation plan and we are excited about the benefits it will provide to our community through both reliability and economic development.”
Padua 2, also situated in Bexar County, is set to be completed by Spring 2026. Under a community benefits agreement, the project will contribute a minimum of US$175,000 annually for five years to “CPS Energy-sponsored initiatives and scholarships” in the Greater San Antonio area once operational.
Additionally, as part of its community impact initiative, Eolian donated US$50,000 in 2024 to CPS Energy’s Residential Energy Assistance Programme to help support bills for customers in the San Antonio region.
In December 2024, CPS entered into a long-term storage capacity agreement (SCA) for a 120MW/480MWh with developer OCI Energy.
OCI Energy will handle the development, financing, construction, ownership, and operation of the BESS, while CPS Energy will maintain operational control to supply electricity to the San Antonio, Texas area.
In September 2025, OCI finalised the construction financing for the BESS. The company selected ING to underwrite the package, which consists of a construction-to-term loan, a tax equity bridge loan, and letters of credit.
