Horn Rapids BESS
1MW / 4MWh

​The Challenge: Integrating Solar, Storage, & Workforce Training

Washington’s electricity mix is dominated by hydro and nuclear generation, which leaves limited experience with large-scale solar or grid-connected storage systems. The state sought to:

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• Demonstrate solar + storage integration in a utility-scale setting.

• Enhance grid flexibility to manage variable renewable generation.

• Develop workforce training infrastructure to prepare local technicians for the growing clean-energy sector.

• Strengthen local reliability while reducing peak demand in the City of Richland.

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The project needed a system that could smooth solar output, shift energy use during evening peaks, and serve as a hands-on training facility for solar and storage technicians.

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​Doosan GridTech's Solution

Under contract with Worley Parsons, Doosan GridTech served as the system integrator and control software provider for the 1MW 4MWh Horn Rapids BESS.

 

Core Solution Elements

• Battery Energy Storage System:

  • 1MW / 4MWh lithium-ion battery capable of powering roughly 150 homes for four hours.

  • Owned and operated by Energy Northwest as a co-located asset with a 4MW solar array.

• Control Platform:

  • The Doosan GridTech Intelligent Controller® (DG-IC®) manages energy dispatch, smoothing solar output, and shifting excess solar generation to peak evening hours.

  • Enables fast-responding grid services such as peak demand reduction and frequency regulation.

• Hybrid Integration:

  • Co-located with a 4MW DC solar farm on a 20-acre site north of Richland, Washington.

  • Built on land owned by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), which supports on-site workforce training.

• Training and Workforce Development:

  • Serves as a national demonstration site and training ground for solar and battery technicians, supporting education programs through Energy Northwest and the IBEW.​

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Outcomes and Impact

The Horn Rapids project has delivered measurable value to both the grid and the local community:

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• Smoother Solar Output: The DG-IC® platform stabilizes variable PV generation, improving grid predictability and reducing ramping requirements.

• Energy Shifting: Captures off-leak solar generation and discharges during evening demand peaks, supporting more efficient system operation.

• Peak Reduction: Helps the City of Richland avoid peak-period power purchases, reducing operational costs.

• Training Infrastructure: Provides hands-on learning for technicians and engineers working with solar, inverter, and storage technologies.

• Renewable Integration: Demonstrates that combining battery storage with solar creates a more predictable renewable resource for utilities in hydro-heavy regions.​

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​Why This Project Matters

The Horn Rapids Solar, Storage & Training Project is a landmark for Washington State, the first facility to unite utility-scale solar, battery storage, and workforce training. It proved that integrating energy storage with renewables improves reliability, enhances flexibility, and builds the skills needed for a carbon-free grid.

 

By pairing Doosan GridTech’s intelligent controls with Energy Northwest’s operational expertise, the project has established a replicable model for clean-energy innovation and education across the United States..

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About the Client

Energy Northwest is a Washington-based public power joint operating agency that supplies clean, affordable, and reliable energy to regional utilities across the Pacific Northwest. Its portfolio includes hydro, nuclear, wind, and solar resources.

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The Horn Rapids Solar, Storage & Training project represents the first utility-scale solar + battery + training hybrid in Washington State which is a collaborative effort among Energy Northwest, the City of Richland, The Washington State Department of Commerce, and Puget Sound Energy, with technical contributions from Doosan GridTech and Worley Parsons.