Horn Rapids Solar Farm

Since initial conception the 4MW Horn Rapids Solar, Storage & Training (HRSST) project in Richland Washington has been a collaboration of Engineer Procure Construct Contractor Potelco Inc., Owner/Operator Tucci Energy Services , Energy Northwest, the City of Richland, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Pacific Northwest National Laboratories, Washington State Department of Commerce, and the Washington State Clean Energy Fund.

Commissioned into operation in November of 2020, HRSST is the first utility scale solar and battery storage project in Washington State. Tucci Energy Services owns and operates HRSST with a City of Richland 25-year Power Purchase Agreement.

The HRSST facility includes the 4MW solar and 1MW-4MWh battery installation, training classrooms, as well as 30 plus acres of: multiple configurations of lattice type transmission towers, wood transmission and distribution poles, above and below grade transformers and vaults for training.

The initial collaboration of the HRSST continues after commissioning and during systems operation. Horn Rapids, is utilized as a training facility with classroom study and “in the field” practical training by:

• Potelco and Tucci Energy Services
• North West Line Joint Apprenticeship Committee,
• Bonneville Power Administration
• Energy Northwest, the City of Richland and Pacific Northwest National Laboratories

Energy Northwest, the City of Richland and Pacific Northwest National Laboratories continue to investigate and apply optimization of renewable energy battery storage for utilities. Washington State Department of Commerce provided a $3,000,000 grant through the Clean Energy Fund to be used for the Battery Storage and Balance of Plant components that are owned and operated by Energy Northwest at HRSST. The 4MWh battery (1MW discharge for four hours) at Horn Rapids supports the City of Richland load leveling during peak load periods (3PM – 7PM in the Summer) (5AM – 9AM in the Winter).

Horn Rapids Solar Storage & Training provides clean, carbon free renewable energy to the City of Richland every day of the year, and provides a training and research platform for future generations of renewable energy projects, designers and personnel.