SOLAR POWER IN COLORADO
Rocky Mountain Solar 500 project
AES’ Rocky Mountain Solar (RMS) 500 solar-plus-storage project is a planned clean energy facility that will incorporate the most advanced solar and energy storage technologies. The project is designed to minimize impact on the local environment and will support Colorado’s clean energy goal of 100% renewable energy by 2040.
602 MW solar + 250 MW storage capacity
Enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 173,000 homes annually
Located in Pueblo County, Colorado
Our clean energy commitment
AES’ Rocky Mountain Solar 500 project is a planned facility in Colorado. We are committed to responsible clean energy development that creates long-term value and positive impact for both the environment and local communities.
Economic and environmental benefits
We believe in being a good neighbor, ensuring responsible clean energy development that benefits both the environment and local communities without burdening existing infrastructure.
981K Metric tons
of CO2 to be avoided each year, improving air quality and reducing CO2 emissions
340 local jobs
to be created during construction, alongside tax revenue for the county and community
Project details
- Developed on 3,300 acres of privately owned and State Trust land
- Provides clean energy to Xcel Energy customers
- 2027 estimated operational date
- Up to 25-year project life with AES as long-term owner operator
Clean energy benefits
local communities
Long-term tax revenue to local communities and school districts
Job creation during construction and operation
Local economic stimulation during construction
Improved air quality and reduced CO2 emissions
Non-permanent development and low-impact construction that ensures land can be sensitively restored to pre-project conditions at the end of the project’s life
Expected project timeline
Now - 2027
Project Preparation
Development, Siting, Permitting, Construction
2027-2028
Operational
Operations
Sustainability Resources
Sustainability best practices
At AES, safety is our highest priority, and we’ve focused on improving lives for more than 40 years. As a leading innovator in energy solutions, sustainability is core to both our strategy and our culture. We are committed to responsible land use and incorporating sustainable best practices into the entire project lifecycle, contributing to building a domestic circular renewables economy and reducing foreign dependence.
Local partnerships
At AES, we understand that our success as a company is only as strong as our partnerships with the communities where we operate. That’s why we partner with communities, customers, state and local agencies, higher education, elected officials, businesses and other key stakeholders to understand how we can work together to support sustainable social and economic development through clean energy development that improves lives and builds stronger communities. AES is proud to be a partner to many community organizations in the region, including:
- Kern Economic Development Corporation
- California City Chamber of Commerce
- Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce
- Greater Tehachapi Economic Development Council
- Mojave Chamber of Commerce
- Safe Haven Kid's League
- Community Action Partnership of Kern/East Kern Family Resource Center
- Desert Rose Garden Club of Cal City
- REACH Kern County
- Kern County Superintendent of Schools
- Kern Community College District/California Renewable Energy Laboratory
Environmental and technical studies
The project was evaluated for environmental impacts in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act. The project will adhere to all requirements and mitigation measures outlined in the permits for the project.
Contact us
We appreciate your interest in AES’ Rocky Mountain Solar 500 Project. Please contact us using the information below.