Rising electricity demand during extreme summer temperatures is increasing pressure on power infrastructure, making additional generation and storage capacity increasingly important to grid operators, utilities and energy developers. Recent performance in Texas has highlighted the role that solar generation and battery storage can play during periods of peak demand.
Mortenson is expanding its involvement in the sector through solar and energy-storage construction across the United States, including a substantial portfolio in Texas.
Texas reached a record electricity-demand level during a period of triple-digit temperatures in summer 2026. Solar generation supplied approximately one-third of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas grid during the heat wave, while battery systems helped extend renewable power availability into evening demand periods.
Wind, solar and battery resources now represent approximately half of ERCOT's installed capacity. The growing renewable base has also contributed to Texas becoming the nation's leading annual solar producer in 2024 and 2025.
Mortenson has completed more than 20 solar projects in Texas, representing more than 5 GW of generating capacity. The contractor's nationwide solar portfolio exceeds 120 projects and 17 GW across 19 states.
Solar generation and battery storage have become major components of new U.S. electricity infrastructure. Data from the Solar Energy Industries Association and Wood Mackenzie indicate that solar and storage represented 91% of new U.S. grid capacity added during the first quarter of 2026.
Mortenson has also installed more than 45 GWh of battery storage capacity across the United States. Battery systems can provide dispatchable capacity when solar production declines and electricity consumption remains elevated.
The broader market is responding to projected increases in electricity consumption. ICF forecasts U.S. electricity demand to rise 39% by 2035, adding pressure for new generation, transmission and storage infrastructure.
For utilities, energy developers and construction owners, the increasing deployment of solar and battery storage is changing how new power infrastructure is planned and delivered. Projects that combine generation and storage can provide additional flexibility during periods of high electricity demand.
Mortenson's project portfolio reflects the construction industry's expanding role in deploying these resources as utilities, developers and investors add generation and storage capacity to support the U.S. power grid.
Source: Mortenson.
