Spearmint Energy and Strata Clean Energy delivered a major boost to the US battery storage growth market on April 25, 2025, with new financing and groundbreaking announcements totaling approximately 2 GWh across three states.
Spearmint Energy closed $252 million in financing to construct two new battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in Texas, each rated at 100 MW/200 MWh.
On the same day, Strata Clean Energy broke ground on its 150 MW/600 MWh “Justice” BESS project in Arizona.
Together, these milestones mark a significant step toward the Department of Energy’s (DOE) target of deploying 100 GW of energy storage by 2030.
What’s actually happening in US battery storage growth?
The financing package for Spearmint Energy’s Texas projects reflects the increasingly sophisticated capital stacks emerging in the US battery storage sector.
Spearmint secured tax-equity financing from Sugar Creek Capital, arranged a bridge loan facility via East West Bank and Investec, and locked in construction debt financing from Manulife.
This layered structure demonstrates growing lender confidence in the long-term economics of storage assets, particularly in high-volatility markets like ERCOT.
On the technology front, Spearmint’s projects will deploy Sungrow PowerTitan 2.0 battery systems, a cutting-edge solution designed for large-scale grid support.
Meanwhile, Strata Clean Energy will be outfitting the Justice BESS with LG Chem battery racks and SMA inverters (subject to confirmation), reflecting a trend toward diversified OEM partnerships to enhance project resilience and supply-chain flexibility.
Market fundamentals are a driving force behind these investments.
In Texas, extreme weather events and resulting ERCOT grid instability have created lucrative opportunities for merchant storage operators to capitalize on price spikes.
In Arizona, Strata’s Justice BESS benefits from a 20-year tolling agreement with Arizona Public Service (APS), providing stable revenue streams over two decades and showcasing the critical role long-term contracts play in de-risking US battery storage investments.
The broader landscape is shifting fast.
Incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are lowering cost barriers and accelerating US battery storage deployment nationwide.
With the DOE’s aggressive storage targets on the horizon, deals like these will become increasingly common as developers race to capture market share.
US battery storage growth recruitment ripple effects
These project milestones are more than financial wins, and they signal an immediate surge in demand for specialized talent across the US battery storage sector.
Spearmint’s projects near Del Rio and Laredo, Texas, and Strata’s Justice BESS in Maricopa County, Arizona, are set to ignite fierce competition for high-voltage electricians, BESS EPC managers, commissioning engineers, and EMS software integrators.
With NABCEP-certified professionals and engineers experienced in UL 9540A safety standards already in short supply, regional labor markets will be stretched thin.
Longer term, as these facilities move into commercial operations, the demand will pivot toward operations and maintenance (O&M) specialists.
Battery analytics experts, warranty and performance management professionals, and asset optimization traders will all be critical to ensuring these billion-dollar assets deliver maximum return on investment.
How Astute can help with US battery storage growth
Scaling your storage fleet?
Astute is your turn-key staffing partner for greenfield US battery storage projects.
We move fast to ensure your projects are never delayed due to staffing gaps.
Our services don’t stop at hiring; we support retention too, offering tailor-made benefits packages and localized payroll solutions to minimize site churn and keep your projects on track.
Ready to plug your talent gaps before equipment hits site?
Contact Astute’s team today and stay fully charged for success.
