Jupiter Power has announced the commencement of commercial operations for its 400 megawatt hours (MWh) dispatchable power facility in Houston, Texas.

The Callisto I battery energy storage system (BESS), which is expected to bolster Houston's supply of reliable zero-emissions power, marks a significant step in the city's efforts to meet rising demand.

The Callisto I Energy Center is strategically located in central Houston, close to the Medical Center and the Houston ship channel.

It stands on the grounds of the former HL&P H O Clarke fossil fuel power plant and can accommodate an additional 400MW/800MWh of battery storage generation.

Callisto I is part of Jupiter's broader strategy to expand its large-scale operational battery energy storage projects beyond West Texas and into Houston.

Callisto I facility is Jupiter's ninth project within the ERCOT [Electrical Reliability Council of Texas] grid, increasing its total fleet in the region to 1,375MWh.

In December 2023, Jupiter Power secured a $65.2m financing agreement with First Citizens Bank for the construction of the Callisto I project.

Jupiter Power CEO Andy Bowman stated: “Jupiter couldn't be prouder about bringing the Callisto I project online.

“This project responds to lawmakers' calls to increase affordable and dispatchable new generation in an area where people need more power.

“Callisto I is the first energy storage project at this scale in the city of Houston and will help meet Houston's growing power needs while also increasing resiliency from extreme weather events.”

In November 2022, EnCap Investments reached an agreement to transfer Jupiter Power to BlackRock Alternatives.

BlackRock acquired Jupiter Power from EnCap Energy Transition Fund I, along with co-investment partners Yorktown Partners and Mercuria Energy.