Community-based and not-for-profit public power utility, Salt River Project (SRP), and Clenera, an Enlight company, have recently announced the signing of a power purchase agreement (PPA) for an additional 394 MW AC (475 MW DC) of clean energy at the CO Bar Solar facility located outside Flagstaff, Arizona.

This agreement marks the second collaboration between Clenera and SRP at the CO Bar complex, solidifying SRP’s position as the largest electricity provider in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. With this latest development, SRP has procured a total of almost 800 MW AC (1,000 MW DC) of power from the project.

Commenting on the agreement, Jim Pratt, the CEO of SRP, highlighted the significance of the CO Bar Solar plant, describing it not only as the largest solar plant in Arizona but also as one of the largest in the entire United States. Pratt stated, “SRP will be quadrupling the amount of utility-scale solar on our power system in just the next two years, with CO Bar Solar as a key part of this.”

Being developed by Clenera, a leading developer, builder, owner, and operator of utility-scale solar farms and energy storage facilities, CO Bar Solar is a 1.2 GW landmark solar and storage complex. The project is set to occupy up to 2,400 acres on Babbitt Ranches private land in Coconino County. Construction is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2023, with commercial operation expected to roll out in phases throughout 2025.

The construction of CO Bar Solar will support the local economy by creating approximately 550 construction jobs, with a focus on employing local talent. Once completed, SRP will be able to generate enough power from this renewable resource to meet the energy needs of approximately 180,000 average-sized homes.

The recent power purchase agreement between SRP and Clenera underscores the continued commitment to renewable energy in Arizona. The CO Bar Solar project, poised to become one of the largest solar ventures in the country, strengthens SRP’s renewable energy portfolio and positions Clenera as a leading developer in the utility-scale solar industry.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this research report is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial or investment advice. The energy market is highly volatile, and readers should conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.