A major U.S. solar power developer announced it has a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Arizona Public Service (APS) for the energy produced from the Kitt Solar Project.
Avantus, the former 8minute Solar Energy, on Dec. 9 said the PPA includes 100 MWac/130 MWdc of solar from the installation in Eloy, in Pinal County. It also includes 400 MWh of energy storage.
Avantus said it will begin construction of the project next year, with commercial operation expected in 2026.
“Avantus’ agreement with APS will expand the availability of clean and reliable energy in Arizona and is a testament to our leadership in developing high-quality renewable energy projects,” said Avantus CEO Cliff Graham. “The Kitt Solar Project will not only deliver clean solar energy and offset carbon emissions but will provide much needed energy storage capacity to meet rising demand and create a more resilient grid in Arizona.”
The Kitt project is expected to create up to 400 construction jobs. Avantus’ officials on Monday said the solar power will offset 200,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.
“Over the next several years, customer peak energy demand in Arizona is expected to grow significantly,” said Derek Seaman, APS Director of Resource Acquisition. “The Kitt Solar Project will add to our growing solar power and energy storage portfolio and provide our customers with additional reliable, cost-competitive and clean electricity.”
Avantus in a news release noted that the combination of solar power and energy storage capacity will support grid resiliency in Arizona, and help ensure the state can meet peak demand, particularly during periods of extreme heat. The company said Arizona saw 113 consecutive days of temperatures at or above 100F this year, which also broke demand records for electricity.
Avantus has one of the largest pipelines of solar and energy storage projects in the U.S., including 30 GW of solar and 94 GWh of energy storage. Officials said the agreement also builds on Avantus’ efforts in Arizona; the company recently sold the 225-MW Catclaw Solar and Energy Storage Project in Maricopa County to D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments. That project, which includes 250-MW/1,000 MWh of energy storage, also will provide electricity to APS through a PPA negotiated by Avantus.
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