As the global energy transition accelerates, large-scale battery storage has become a critical enabler of renewable integration. On August 15, 2025, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) announced the acquisition of the 250 MW/1,000 MWh Beehive Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in Peoria, Arizona, from EDF’s subsidiary, EDF Power Solutions North America. While the deal value remains undisclosed, the transaction underscores CIP’s growing presence in the U.S. energy storage market and highlights the increasing importance of grid-scale storage in balancing renewable energy supply with demand.

The Beehive project represents one of Arizona’s largest battery storage developments. Designed with a four-hour duration, it will store energy during periods of high renewable generation—such as midday solar peaks—and release it during evening demand surges. With a capacity of 250 MW/1,000 MWh, the system can provide critical grid stability and resilience, supporting Arizona’s growing reliance on renewables. Construction began in early 2025 under EDF, and the project is expected to enter commercial operations in the first half of 2026. CIP will oversee the project through the remainder of its build-out, ensuring delivery on time and at scale.

The acquisition was made via CIP’s fifth flagship fund, CI V, which closed in March 2025 with commitments surpassing $14 billion and a total potential capacity of around $27 billion. The fund is explicitly focused on large-scale energy infrastructure, and Beehive BESS fits squarely within this mandate. For EDF, Beehive represents its second stand-alone storage project, reinforcing its strategy to expand expertise in battery technology. For CIP, the move cements its role as a leading institutional investor driving the deployment of storage assets needed to unlock the full value of renewable energy portfolios across the U.S.

What sets Beehive apart is its 20-year tolling agreement with Arizona Public Service Company (APS), the state’s largest energy provider serving 1.4 million customers across 11 counties. This contract structure guarantees revenue stability for CIP while providing APS with a flexible resource to balance its grid. Such long-term arrangements not only de-risk investments but also ensure that large-scale battery assets deliver predictable value to utilities and their customers. By securing APS as a counterparty, CIP has positioned Beehive as a cornerstone project in the U.S. storage landscape.

The Beehive BESS acquisition marks a significant step for Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners in scaling its U.S. storage portfolio. By pairing financial strength with long-term utility partnerships, CIP is advancing infrastructure that will stabilize grids, enable higher renewable penetration, and accelerate the clean energy transition. With Beehive set to come online in 2026, this project showcases how strategic capital deployment and innovative contract structures can unlock lasting value for investors, utilities, and communities alike.

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