Clearway Energy Group Commissions 320 MW Honeycomb Energy Center, Strengthening Utah’s Grid And Expanding Its State Portfolio

Clearway Energy Group has announced the successful launch of the 320 MW Honeycomb Energy Center, a large-scale battery storage project that marks a significant advancement for Utah’s power grid and local economy. Representing an investment of around $600 million, the project uses American-made Tesla equipment and domestically sourced steel. With this addition, Clearway’s operational portfolio in Utah has grown to nearly 900 MW.

The Honeycomb Energy Center consists of four separate battery energy storage systems of 80 MW each, together providing 1,280 MWh of dispatchable stored energy. These facilities are supported by long-term, 20-year contracts with PacifiCorp, ensuring that the utility can maintain reliable service while also modernizing the region’s power system.

Each storage site has been built next to a Clearway-owned solar project, enabling efficient integration between solar generation and energy storage. A ribbon-cutting event was held on May 6 to officially mark the project’s commissioning, with Senator John Curtis present to recognize the milestone. He noted that the Honeycomb Energy Center is a substantial investment in Utah’s energy future, supporting local employment, improving grid reliability, and demonstrating how large-scale storage can strengthen renewable energy systems.

He added that pairing battery storage with solar power helps ensure dependable and cost-effective electricity for communities across the region.Battery storage projects like Honeycomb help stabilize the grid by storing excess energy and releasing it during periods of high demand. This capability makes the grid more flexible, efficient, and secure while providing economic benefits for the state.

Clearway CEO Craig Cornelius emphasized that the company plays an important role in strengthening Utah’s energy infrastructure and helping to manage power costs through reliable storage solutions.Clearway has been developing renewable energy projects in Utah for nearly twenty years and completed its first project in the state in 2008.

The Honeycomb project continues the company’s long-standing role as an employer, contributor, and partner in Beaver and Iron Counties. The project is expected to deliver substantial community benefits, including an estimated $60 million in property and sales tax revenues, 150 construction jobs at peak activity with a focus on hiring local workers, and ongoing full-time positions that support families in the region.

It also provides long-term lease income to landowners, helping them maintain and protect their land for the future.To commemorate the commissioning, Clearway has made a donation of $150,000 to Iron County Care & Share. This contribution will support the development of a Tiny Home Village that aims to provide stable housing for individuals transitioning out of homelessness.

Clearway’s local team has been supporting the organization since 2023. James Jetton, Executive Director of Iron County Care & Share, expressed appreciation for the donation, noting that the tiny home initiative will serve as an important step toward long-term stability, recovery, and renewed hope for community members.