Centennial Flats

PROJECT DETAILS

Centennial Flats

La Paz County, AZ

WBE’s Renewables Division completed the full installation of a utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Centennial Flats, located within a massive solar farm spanning 3,400 acres. The BESS itself occupies four acres and supports grid-level energy storage and distribution, enhancing the site’s renewable energy capabilities.

The project began with mass excavation and the installation of twelve (12) 34.5kV, 900A circuits from a new substation to the BESS arrays. WBE performed primary 34.5kV terminations to eighty-one (81) 4,400kV transformers, followed by secondary terminations to 318 Megapack XL units. A total of 80,000 feet of medium voltage cable and 120,000 feet of 1000 MCM cable were pulled between the transformers and batteries, ensuring robust, high-capacity energy transmission.

The infrastructure included a 25,000-foot ground grid with self-performed trenching and installation of ground rings. Auxiliary power was delivered via three (3) 150kVA transformers, each feeding 600A distribution boards with manual transfer switches and generator tap cans, ultimately powering 81 100A electrical panels throughout the system.

In addition to the core electrical infrastructure, WBE installed a SCADA fiber optic network and communications cabling, enabling real-time monitoring, data acquisition, and remote control functionality. The team also delivered auxiliary power distribution, site lighting, and a fire detection system to ensure operational safety and code compliance.

WBE supported the project through all commissioning phases, including cold commissioning, energization, and hot commissioning, helping bring this advanced renewable energy system online efficiently and safely.

Division: Renewables