Canyon Country Energy Storage Facility

The Canyon Country Energy Storage Facility in Santa Clarita, California delivers critical grid reliability services while supporting the integration of renewable energy resources across the region. The project demonstrates how advanced engineering, construction, and coordination can successfully deliver large-scale energy storage in an urban environment with tight spatial, regulatory, and environmental constraints.

Mortenson served as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partner for the complete build of the Terra-Gen 80MW / 320MWh Canyon Country project, applying innovative design solutions and collaborative problem-solving to optimize system performance while minimizing impacts to the surrounding community.

The project involved the design and construction of a large-scale lithium-ion battery energy storage system utilizing BYD battery enclosures paired with PE Power conversion systems (PCS). The facility was constructed on a compact 3.2-acre urban site within the Santa Clarita’s mixed-use commercial zone. The constrained footprint required careful site planning, precision scheduling, and off-site logistics to maintain safe and efficient construction activities.

Community coordination was a priority throughout the project. Mortenson developed and implemented proactive communication and disruption-avoidance strategies to support ongoing business operations and maintain a positive experience for neighboring businesses and their customers.

Safety performance was a defining achievement of the Canyon Country project. Construction was completed with zero recordable incidents across more than 71,000 craft and contractor work hours—reflecting a strong safety culture and close coordination among all project partners.

Key design and construction innovations included:

• Thermal Management: Custom-designed exhaust systems to reduce heat-related battery derating risks and enhance operational performance.
• Space Optimization: Use of an off-site laydown yard located approximately four miles from the project site to stage materials and equipment efficiently.
• Equipment Installation: Installation of all battery enclosures and PCS units within a nine-day setting window, minimizing on-site duration and community disruption.

Mortenson worked closely with Terra-Gen, equipment suppliers, and grid stakeholders to ensure the facility met all technical, safety, and regulatory requirements and was commissioned efficiently.