Energy Vault recently celebrated a significant milestone with the commercial operation of the Cross Trails Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), their first asset placed in service under their “own and operate” growth strategy. This marks a pivotal achievement in the company’s mission to deliver innovative solutions in energy storage.
The 57 MW two-hour BESS located in Snyder, Texas is actively providing energy and ancillary services at a prime Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) market node. This system is strategically positioned to enhance grid reliability and support renewable energy integration. The success of this project underscores Energy Vault’s commitment to advancing sustainable power solutions.
This initiative is part of Energy Vault’s broader plan to expand its impact in the energy sector. The company is focused on deploying efficient energy storage methods that can be replicated at scale to meet growing power demands globally. By placing this asset into commercial operation, Energy Vault demonstrates the viability of large-scale battery storage systems and their role in stabilizing energy supplies.
The development and operation of Cross Trails BESS involved intricate engineering and construction processes, leveraging cutting-edge technology to ensure optimal performance. The project’s completion represents years of planning and execution, highlighting the company’s expertise in managing complex energy projects.
Energy Vault achieved mechanical completion of the project ahead of schedule, meeting all construction milestones through disciplined project management and strong coordination across engineering, procurement, and construction teams.
Commissioning commenced immediately thereafter, with ERCOT’s Checklist Part 3—including all commissioning test and documentation—completed early. This enabled the project to achieve commercial operation ahead of plan. The accelerated delivery was further supported by Energy Vault’s second-generation B-VAULT™ AC system, which facilitates rapid installation and energization.
Energy Vault’s strategic operations model integrates both ownership and operation, allowing for enhanced control and optimization of energy resources. This approach not only increases operational efficiency but also provides valuable insights into the performance and cost-effectiveness of large-scale energy storage solutions.
“This milestone demonstrates the unique ability of the Energy Vault team to execute complex energy storage deployments with speed, quality, and attractive economics,” said Marco Terruzzin, Chief Revenue Officer, Energy Vault. “Completing Cross Trails ahead of schedule and achieving ERCOT certification early is a testament to our team’s expertise and the commitment of the entire leadership team to delivering long-term, sustainable shareholder value under the ‘Own & Operate’ growth strategy announced in 2024.”
The success of this project could set a precedent for future developments in the energy storage industry. As more countries and companies seek sustainable energy solutions, the demand for reliable and scalable storage systems continues to grow. Energy Vault’s Cross Trails BESS offers an excellent example of how advanced technology and strategic planning can address some of the most pressing challenges in the energy sector today.
In the coming years, Energy Vault aims to expand its influence and develop more projects that contribute to a cleaner and more resilient energy ecosystem. The success at Cross Trails is just the beginning, as the company continues to innovate and lead in the field of energy storage and management solutions.
Photo Credit: Energy Vault
