SOLAR POWER IN COLORADO

Rocky Mountain Solar 500 project

in development

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.

Rows of solar panels in a grassy field under a clear sky, with a few trees in the background.

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602 MW solar + 250 MW planned storage capacity

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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.

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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.

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

A map showing roads and locations around Pueblo, Colorado. Key roads include highways 45, 50, 96, and 98. Notable locations are Pueblo Depot Activity, Baxter, Devine, Bessemer, Stem Beach, and Vineland. A green area is highlighted south of the main road network.

Clean energy benefits

local communities

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Long-term tax revenue to local communities and school districts

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Job creation during construction and operation

Local economic stimulus during 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 - 2027

Project Preparation

Development, Siting, Permitting, Construction

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2027-2028

Operational

Operations

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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’ RMS 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 on the sanctity of the land.

Cultural and Archaeological survey – Complete
Boundary & Topographic survey – Complete
Biological Resources review – Complete (Site visit to look for presence of threatened and/or endangered species and waterbodies)
Biological Studies – Complete
- Wetlands and waterbodies
- Habitat
- Sensitive species’ habitat
Geotechnical survey - Complete
FEMA Flood Plain Analysis – Complete
Phase 1 ESA – Complete

Local partnerships

AES is committed to being a good neighbor to the Pueblo 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.

This is why we collaborate with a broad cross section of community leaders from government, local business, 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.

AES current local community engagement:

Member of Pueblo Chamber of Commerce
Member of Pueblo Economic Development Corporation
Workforce Development Program created for Coloradan residents for solar installation training and certification
Donation to the Pueblo Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

Colorado solar workforce program

Contact us

We appreciate your interest in AES’ Rocky Mountain Solar 500 Project. Please contact us using the information below.

communityinquiries@aes.com

720-418-8401