Duke Energy Carolinas LLC plans to build a 5-MW battery storage project at the Anderson Civic Center in Anderson County, S.C.

The battery storage project will be grid-tied and available for use by Duke Energy Carolinas grid operators. It will also serve as backup power for the civic center in the event of an outage for at least 30 hours.

The lithium ion battery project is part of Duke Energy Corp.'s plan to invest $500 million in battery storage projects across the Carolinas over the next 15 years, according to an Oct. 14 news release.

The company said it recently sought approval from the state Public Service Commission for a provision of a lease agreement for the land from Anderson County. The project will go through a competitive bidding process for construction and is expected to be in service in early 2021.