Tucson Electric Power Commissions Wilmot Energy Center with 100MW Solar and 30MW BESS

July 5, 2026

Tucson Electric Power USA

Overview

Tucson Electric Power (TEP) announced the commissioning of the Wilmot Energy Center, integrating a 100 MW solar array and a 30 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), each the largest of their kind on TEP’s grid. The center charges batteries from solar power and supplies stored energy during peak demand, enhancing grid reliability and helping meet the annual electricity needs of approximately 100,000 households.

In Depth

Key Findings

Tucson Electric Power (TEP) has announced the commissioning of its innovative ‘Wilmot Energy Center’ in Arizona. This facility combines a 100 MW solar photovoltaic array with a 30 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), making each component the largest of its kind on TEP’s grid, and strengthening the clean and reliable power supply to the community.

Technical / Clinical Details

At the heart of the Wilmot Energy Center is an expansive solar array, capable of generating up to 100 MW of clean electricity. This solar generation facility works in close conjunction with the 30 MW BESS. Excess power generated during peak solar hours in the day is efficiently stored in this high-capacity battery. Subsequently, the stored electricity is discharged to the grid during evenings and nights when solar generation is unavailable, or during periods of peak electricity demand. This ensures power supply stability and contributes to meeting the electricity needs of approximately 100,000 households annually. The BESS also provides ancillary services such as grid frequency regulation and voltage stabilization, thereby enhancing the overall resilience of the power grid.

Background & Context

Arizona, leveraging its abundant solar resources, is actively promoting the adoption of solar power. However, the intermittency of solar generation poses a challenge to stable grid operation. As a regional utility, Tucson Electric Power faces the dual challenge of maximizing renewable energy integration while providing stable power to its customers. Integrated hybrid facilities like the Wilmot Energy Center offer an optimal solution to this challenge. This enables a reduction in reliance on fossil fuels and contributes to achieving the state’s clean energy goals.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

The commissioning of the Wilmot Energy Center marks a significant milestone in Tucson Electric Power’s transition towards clean energy. This facility will enhance the reliability of renewable energy, mitigate the risk of fluctuating electricity prices, and contribute to improving regional air quality. TEP’s customers will benefit from a more affordable and sustainable electricity supply. This success story is expected to incentivize other utilities to adopt similar integrated renewable energy and storage systems, accelerating the development of clean energy infrastructure not only in Arizona but across the United United States.

Source: https://www.tep.com/wec/

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