SOLAR POWER IN COLORADO

National Grassland solar + storage project

in development

AES’ National Grassland 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.

A field of solar panels surrounded by tall grass under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.

A gray lightning bolt inside a circular gradient ring transitioning from purple to green.

199 MW planned solar + 100 MW planned storage capacity

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Enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 72,000 homes

Located in Baca County, CO

Our clean energy commitment

AES’ National Grasslands solar + storage 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.

Two workers in hard hats walk between rows of solar panels in a field with autumn trees in the background.

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.

$millions

in tax revenue expected to be generated over the project lifetime

520,250 MWh

of carbon-free electricity each year

300 local jobs

expected to be created during construction

Project details

1,120 acres of privately owned land will host the project
Provides clean energy to Xcel Energy customers
2025 estimated operational date
Up to 25-year project life with AES as long-term owner and operator
Utilizes land near existing electric grid infrastructure to minimize need for new overhead transmission lines
Will be designed in accordance with the latest applicable codes, safety standards, security, lighting, landscaping and noise requirements

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Clean energy benefits

local communities

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Low-cost supply of clean energy at a long-term fixed cost over the project lifetime

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Local economic stimulus during and after construction

Social impact funding to area community organizations and non-profits

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

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Now - 2025

Project Preparation

Construction

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2025

Operational

Expected operations

A large solar farm with rows of solar panels stretching across a dry landscape. The panels are aligned in neat rows, reflecting sunlight under a partly cloudy sky. In the background, there are hills and distant mountains.

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.

Environmental and technical studies

AES’ National Grassland solar project was studied extensively and carefully planned to have no negative impact on regulated habitats, threatened and endangered species or cultural/historical resources. AES is conducting ongoing consultations with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure the sanctity of the land.

Biological Studies – Complete
Wetlands and waterbodies
Habitat
Sensitive species’ habitat
CPW – Wildlife coordination – In Progress
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment – Complete
ALTA Survey – Completed
SHPO – Cultural Resources memo – Complete
Geotechnical site investigation – Complete
Boundary and topographic survey – Complete
FAA Determination of No Hazard – Complete

Local partnerships

AES is committed to being a good neighbor to the Baca County community. We value our relationships with local partners and community members, and we work diligently to maximize the positive impact our clean energy projects have on local communities. Our projects are intentionally developed to create lasting positive benefits for landowners and to create significant economic opportunities in the community over the life of the project, without burdening existing infrastructure.

This is why we collaborate with a broad cross section of community leaders from government, local businesses, education, social services and residents to identify opportunities where AES can provide financial support, volunteerism and other types of partnership to support high-impact initiatives, programs and institutions in the local communities.

Contact us

We appreciate your interest in AES’ National Grasslands Project. Please contact us using the information below.

communityinquiries@aes.com

720-418-8401