ESA sells Michigan BESS project to Danish energy developer
ESA Solar Energy LLC has sold its 150 MW / 600 MWh Salzburg Battery Energy Storage Project to Fredericia, Denmark-based energy firm Ørsted.
Located in central Michigan’s Midland Township, the project first gained approval in early 2025, and is strategically located to help the Mitten State meet its utility offtake needs, the companies say. The project’s new owner is targeting a commercial energization date between 2029 and 2030, with the project having already progressed through permitting and advancement milestones.
Michigan is quickly becoming a hotspot market for energy storage, representatives of sale facilitator Ascend Analytics says. The company served as ESA’s advisor through its Ascend Energy Exchange, and says Michigan is aiming for a 60% renewable portfolio standard by 2035, and 100% renewable energy generation by 2040.
“ESA has deep expertise in early-phase project development and its track record of partnering with tier one renewables and storage firms, like Ørsted, positions the Salzburg BESS project up to make substantial long-term contributions to Michigan’s clean capacity goals,” says Rahm Orenstein, managing director of the Ascend Energy Exchange.
Selling Salzburg
ESA has “deep experience” with renewable energy projects across Michigan and the surrounding area, Ascend Analytics says, having served the region since 2017. Following the sale, the company will maintain a local presence in central Michigan.
“ESA has long focused on developing projects that combine strong fundamentals with permitting, and interconnection progress that means we actually can contribute to state and local energy needs in a timely manner,” says Lindsay Latre, co-founder and CEO of ESA. “Ørsted is the ideal partner to steward the Salzburg project through the next stage of its development and we are pleased to partner with them as we help to meet Michigan’s energy and environmental goals.”
ESA has helped to develop more than 8 GW in solar and storage over the past decade, the company says. Its wider project portfolio currently includes commercial headquarters, industrial facilities, community solar endeavors, and utility-scale projects.
This deal, Ørsted says, is part of a wider growth strategy for renewable energy in the Great Lake State.
“Michigan is poised for significant growth in clean energy and electrification, and energy storage will be essential to maintaining reliability as renewables scale,” says Ørsted Americas CCO James Giamarino. “Acquiring this energy storage project fits well within our strategic growth ambitions, adding to our development pipeline and strengthening Ørsted’s expanding U.S. storage portfolio with a strategically located asset.”
