Energy Express Project

The Energy Express Project is a utility-scale energy initiative developed by Seven States Power Corporation in partnership with Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW), Nashville Electric Service (NES), and BrightRidge. It will deliver up to 250MW battery storage capacity, helping provide clean, reliable, and affordable power across the Tennessee Valley.

The project will be built on sites secured in coordination with local power companies in east, middle, and west Tennessee, carefully selected to balance grid accessibility, land use, and environmental considerations. The sites will be designed to minimize community disruption and maximize long-term local benefit.

The project will benefit tyour community by: 

• Enhancing the American workforce by creating construction and engineering jobs and sourcing. domestically manufactured products.
• Creating energy efficiency and carbon reduction for the surrounding land through greenhouse gas reduction targets. 
• Delivering reliable, abundant, and affordable enrgy that will modernize the existing electric grid.
• Providing the lowest cost financing awarded to the Tennessee Valley for new generation or storage. 

The Energy Express Project is being financed through a $439 Million award from the USDA New ERA Program, which includes a $415 Million 0% interest loan and $24 Million in no-match grant funding. This federal investment significantly lowers the overall cost of the project, enabling Seven States and local power companies to deliver clean, reliable solar and battery storage resources without placing additional financial burden on local ratepayers.

The Energy Express Project will help cut greenhouse gas emissions by reducing dependence on peaking fossil fuel plants.  Cleaner air and fewer emissions will improve public health and environmental quality in nearby neighborhoods and across Tennessee.

The USDA New ERA funding initiative is focused on delivering solutions that advance carbon reduction across the energy sector. Therefore, we have certain greehouse gas reduction targets that must be met through this project. Future opportunities will likely deliver diverse generation and storage solutions to communities across the Tennessee Valley. 

The battery energy storage system will store excess power and release it when demand peaks — such as in the evening. It also provides backup during outages. Combining this innovative and clean resource with tranditoinal electric generation improves grid efficiency, and ensures a steady supply of energy during critical times.

Safety will be ensured through compliance with all applicable fire, electrical, and building codes, with integrated monitoring and shutdown controls, and coordination with local fire authorities on emergency response planning. The project will also include routine inspections, real-time system monitoring, and established operating procedures to minimize risk throughout construction and operation.

The Energy Express Project is a collaborative effort led by Seven States Power Corporation in partnership with Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW), Nashville Electric Service (NES), and BrightRidge. Seven States will develop, own, and operate the battery storage facilities, while MLGW, NES, and BrightRidge serve as the local utility partner ensuring the energy stored directly supports customers across their communities. The project is also supported by the USDA New Empowering Rural America (ERA) Program, whose financial backing makes this large-scale renewable energy investment possible for these communities.

Seven States Power Corporation will maintain an online project platform with regular updates, construction milestones, and a contact form for questions or feedback (below). This ensures transparent communication and gives residents a direct channel to engage with project leaders throughout development and operation.