Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), through its CI V fund, has acquired the Beehive Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) from EDF Power Solutions North America. The project has a total capacity of 250 MW and a four-hour storage duration, equivalent to 1 GWh of energy output. In South Africa the two companies have formed a consortium and were named preferred bidders under the third Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (BESIPPPP BW3), awarding a total of 616 MW in storage capacity worth R9.5 billion.
Location and project timeline
The Beehive BESS is located in Peoria, Maricopa County, close to Phoenix. EDF Power Solutions began early construction activities in 2025. CIP will now lead the remaining development and construction work, with commercial operations scheduled for the first half of 2026.
Role in Arizona’s energy transition
The Beehive facility will absorb excess renewable energy during periods of high generation and release it back to the grid during peak demand. This will help Arizona Public Service (APS) improve grid reliability while supporting its transition toward renewable energy.
20-year agreement with APS
In November 2024, EDF Renewables North America signed a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with APS. The deal secures up to 1,000 MWh of stored energy daily from the Beehive project, ensuring stable supply to meet the growing electricity needs of Arizona residents and businesses.
Technical features of Beehive BESS
The system will be equipped with advanced lithium-ion battery enclosures, inverters, transformers, and a dedicated substation. These elements are designed to ensure seamless integration with the regional grid and provide reliable large-scale energy storage capacity.
Strategic significance for CIP and EDF
For CIP, the Beehive acquisition strengthens its renewable energy infrastructure portfolio, with storage seen as a crucial pillar in the global clean energy transition. For EDF, the transaction reflects its strategy of developing, de-risking, and selling projects to long-term investors, while continuing to expand its renewable energy pipeline across North America.
Factsheet: Beehive Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
- Project name: Beehive BESS
- Location: Peoria, Maricopa County, Arizona, USA
- Capacity: 250 MW (four-hour duration, 1 GWh total storage)
- Technology: Lithium-ion battery enclosures, inverters, transformers, substation
- Developer: EDF Power Solutions North America
- Owner/Investor: Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) via CI V fund
- Offtaker: Arizona Public Service (APS) under 20-year PPA
- Construction start: 2025
- Expected operation: First half of 2026
