GridStor Acquires White Tank Battery Project to Help Arizona Handle Fast Power Needs
Published · 3 min read
GridStor, a developer and operator of large battery energy storage systems, has bought the White Tank project in Arizona. It is a 100 MW / 400 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). The seller is Strata Clean Energy. The project sits in Maricopa County. Its job is to help Arizona Public Service (APS) deliver power during peak times.
Contract, Timeline & Support
- It has a 20-year tolling agreement with APS. Under this, APS can charge and discharge the battery as needed.
- Commercial operations are expected in the first half of 2027.
- Strata Clean Energy will keep a consultative role until the system starts operating commercially.
Technology Partner
The batteries for White Tank will come from e-STORAGE, part of Canadian Solar. The project will use SolBank 3.0 battery enclosures. About 120 battery enclosures are involved.
Why This Matters for Arizona
Arizona’s power demand is growing fast. Hot summers, more people, and more data centers all add extra load. APS and other utilities set new peak demand records recently.
Battery storage helps in these ways:
- Stores electricity when production is high.
- Delivers power in evening peaks when solar drops.
- Helps grid reliability when demand is unpredictable.
GridStor’s Growth and Pipeline
GridStor is relatively new, founded in 2022. It is backed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management.
This White Tank deal is its fourth acquisition in the past 12 months and its second in Arizona.
GridStor now manages a development/construction pipeline of over 5 GW of battery storage projects across the western and central United States.
Quick Facts Table
| Item | Details |
| Project Name | White Tank |
| Size | 100 MW / 400 MWh |
| Location | Maricopa County, Arizona |
| Buyer | GridStor |
| Seller | Strata Clean Energy |
| Off‐taker | Arizona Public Service (APS), via 20‐year tolling agreement |
| Technology Provider | Canadian Solar’s e-STORAGE (SolBank 3.0 enclosures) |
| Online Target | First half of 2027 |
| Strata’s Role | Consultative until commercial operations |
| GridStor’s Pipeline | Over 5 GW under development or construction |
Challenges & Opportunities
There are challenges. For example:
- Building and interconnecting large systems takes time.
- Supply chain issues can delay battery parts.
- Financing and permitting often slow progress.
But the opportunities are strong. Arizona has space, strong solar resources, and urgent need for reliable power. Projects like White Tank help bridge gaps in supply. Also, tolling agreements give clear revenue. That makes it easier to get funding.
Related Projects
Arizona already has big recent battery storage projects. One is the Papago Storage facility, with 1,200 MWh capacity, developed by Recurrent Energy. It is in Maricopa County as well. It joined the grid earlier in 2025.
What Comes Next
GridStor will need to finish design, engineering, and construction. Then, test and commission the facility. It must meet safety, performance, and regulatory standards. If all goes well, White Tank will begin full commercial operations in early 2027. By then, it will help APS meet evening peaks and power disruptions. It will also help smoother energy flow with rising solar generation.
Conclusion
The White Tank project signals a strong shift toward battery storage in Arizona. GridStor’s purchase shows that investors see value in batteries right now. With a long contract, modern technology, and strong demand, White Tank is well-placed to help keep lights on when people need them most.
