Vopak formally launched its first energy storage facility in the United States earlier this year, marking the company’s entry into the electricity storage market. The project, known as Vopak Energy Storage Texas (VEST), is located in Damon, Texas, and represents a joint venture between Vopak North America and Sable Power & Gas. The facility operates two battery energy storage systems (BESS) with a combined capacity of 15 megawatt-hours (MWh), including individual units of 5 MWh and 10 MWh. Interconnected with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the site is designed to provide peak power, operating reserves, and frequency control services to support grid stability.
Vopak executives said the venture reflects the company’s broader Accelerate strategy, which focuses on developing both short-duration and long-duration battery storage assets worldwide. Maria Ciliberti, President of Vopak US and Canada, noted that this is the company’s first electricity storage project globally and emphasized that collaboration with Sable Power & Gas was critical in bringing the project forward.
According to Etienne Sturm, Director of New Energies, the project originated in late 2023 when Vopak’s Executive Board instructed the business development team to pursue an energy storage initiative. The company later took over development of what was then called the Bar Bar Project, with approval from the board. Zachary O’Farrell Huber, Manager of Business Development, explained that Sable Power & Gas was selected as a joint venture partner due to its experience in power markets and its ability to match Vopak’s equity contribution.
The Damon facility overcame regulatory hurdles before its commissioning. Robert “Buck” Bailey, Operations and Service Manager, said that aligning requirements with CenterPoint Energy for the interconnection of battery energy storage systems presented a key challenge. With its official opening, Vopak has added a new line of business alongside its traditional storage operations. The company indicated that VEST is a first step in a global effort to expand its role in the energy transition by developing battery storage infrastructure.
