Irby Construction, SMT Energy, and CenterPoint Energy Break Ground on 160 MW / 320 MWh Battery Storage Project in Houston

Core Insights - Irby Construction Company, SMT Energy, and CenterPoint Energy have initiated the SMT Houston IV project, a 160 megawatt / 320 megawatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in the Houston Zone of the ERCOT market [1][2][3] Project Overview - SMT Houston IV aims to enhance grid reliability and resiliency in Texas by providing fast-response power during peak demand periods, supporting grid stability and renewable integration [2][7] - The project is expected to be completed by early July 2025, with construction commencing this month [4] Company Roles - Irby Construction serves as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor, leveraging its expertise in electrical infrastructure [3] - SMT Energy is the project owner and developer, while CenterPoint Energy acts as the interconnecting utility, integrating the BESS into the broader electrical network of Houston [3] Collaboration and Planning - The project reflects years of planning and collaboration among the involved parties, focusing on safety, quality, and schedule during the construction phase [6] - CenterPoint Energy has recently completed nearly 90% of its overall grid resiliency improvements, further contributing to a more reliable grid [6] Industry Impact - SMT Houston IV will significantly contribute to ERCOT's ancillary services markets, providing high-speed grid balancing and mitigating load volatility and renewable intermittency [7] - Irby Construction has a strong track record in BESS projects, having built over 30 sites since 2019, including the world's largest BESS project at the time [8]