Energy reliability in Maryland
Tenaska is developing a battery energy storage system (BESS) in Harford County. This facility would add reliability to the regional power grid, as well as generate tax revenue and other economic benefits for the community. This is important to Maryland’s energy future, because energy storage helps with grid fluctuations in supply and demand, optimizes efficiency, alleviates transmission congestion and reduces overall energy system costs. The result is a safe, modern energy solution that can help keep your utility bills from increasing and keep the lights on.
Our team looks forward to working with the local community to make the project — and its many benefits — a reality.
Proposed Oystercatcher Energy Storage facility
Tenaska is developing a battery energy storage system, Oystercatcher Energy Storage, in Harford County. BESS facilities play a crucial role in storing excess energy for later use, providing grid resiliency and reliability. As envisioned, the Oystercatcher facility would have the capacity to store 500 megawatts of electricity.
We believe this area has the right mix of characteristics for a project like this to be successful, including growing electricity demand and access to transmission infrastructure.
Tenaska has a strong reputation for developing safe, reliable energy projects, and will work alongside local first responders, leaders, community members and safety & environmental agencies to ensure the best possible outcomes for the local community.
On our current timeline, we anticipate a three- to four-year development period. Assuming we obtain all necessary permits and approvals, on-site construction is expected to start in 2028.
Meeting Maryland’s energy needs
Oystercatcher Energy Storage is under development in response to Maryland’s growing energy needs. Modernizing the electric grid through advanced technologies like battery storage will help address both the projected gap in electricity generation and the rising energy costs that impact Maryland families. Battery storage can help alleviate this burden by storing excess power during periods of low demand and dispatching it when power is in short supply, ensuring that the lights stay on during high demand and extreme weather.
We believe Oystercatcher Energy Storage will not only enhance energy reliability for the region but also provide significant economic benefits for Harford County. We look forward to working with the Harford County community to make this investment a reality.
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Benefitting Harford County’s economy
We have commissioned an economic impact study by Mangum Economics to quantify the local benefits of the project. At a high level, we expect:
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Job opportunities
The construction of the facility is expected to span up to two years, and is projected to generate approximately 125 well-paying jobs for the local economy.
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Long-term investment
During construction and operation, the facility is expected to be up to a $700 million investment in the local economy. Over 20 years of operation, Oystercatcher is estimated to bring in more than $58 million in total cumulative county revenue.
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Community support
Our facilities and employees have a record of supporting community efforts through volunteer hours and/or monetary support. This may include scholarship programs, community funds or other types of local giving.
Project updates
Tenaska is currently talking to state and local stakeholders about the proposed Oystercatcher Energy Storage facility.
Visit our news page to read the latest updates.
Our approach to battery storage development
Over the past 35 years, Tenaska has earned a reputation for developing responsible energy projects and being a good business neighbor. We have developed more than 13 GW of natural gas-fueled and renewable energy generating facilities and currently have more than 33 GW of energy projects in the development pipeline, including battery storage.
Demand for battery storage continues to grow. We work with landowners to develop battery storage projects where the need for additional capacity is greatest and there is nearby access to a substation, reducing the need for additional transmission lines.
Watch this video to learn more about BESS facilities, how they work and their associated benefits.
Focus on safety
Safety is at the forefront of all Tenaska-developed battery storage projects, starting with development and design and continuing through construction and operations.
Over the last decade, BESS safety advancements in design, regulation and operation have been significant. Purpose-built enclosures, improved battery chemistries and input from first responders and third-party industry safety professionals keep our facilities safe. We work hard to design facilities that are protective of employees, residents and the environment.
Watch this video to learn more about how BESS facilities are safely set up and operated.
