Arizona approves 800-ha solar power plant

The $100 M Pinyon Solar Project will power 70,000 homes and boost local tax revenue while creating over 500 construction jobs.

Image for illustrative purposes

USA, Arizona, Maricopa County: Officials in Arizona have approved a massive 800-ha (2,000-acre) solar power project that will help meet rising energy demands while delivering major economic benefits to local communities.

The Pinyon Solar Project, developed by California-based Avantus Clean Energy, will begin construction in 2026 and is expected to be completed by 2028. The 18-month construction phase will employ more than 500 workers.

Located south of Phoenix in Maricopa County, the site was selected to minimise environmental and community disruption. Once operational, the solar and storage facility will generate enough clean energy to power 70,000 homes.

“Beyond job creation, the Pinyon Solar and Storage Project will generate over $100 M in tax revenues to benefit local services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure,” said Colin Mann, Director of Permitting at Avantus Clean Energy.

As the sunniest state in the US, Arizona ranks fourth nationally in installed solar capacity. Demand for power has surged due to frequent heatwaves and the rapid growth of energy-intensive data centres, Phoenix now hosts the second-largest number of such facilities in the country after Northern Virginia.

Solar power, with its declining costs and minimal environmental footprint, is seen as a key solution to expand grid capacity and ensure long-term sustainability. The Pinyon project marks a significant step toward cleaner energy and continued economic growth in Maricopa County.

Source: Yahoo Finance

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