SOLAR POWER IN COLORADO
National Grassland solar + storage project
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.
199 MW planned solar + 100 MW storage capacity
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.
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.
406,400 tons
of CO2 emissions expected to be offset each year
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
Clean energy benefits
local communities
Low-cost supply of clean energy at a long-term fixed cost over the project lifetime
Local economic stimulus during and after construction
Improved air quality and reduced CO2 emissions
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
2020 - 2026
Project Preparation
Development, Siting, Permitting
2026 - 2028
In Development
Construction
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
We conduct a series of studies that ensure our projects are thoughtfully and responsibly designed.
- Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
- Wetland Desktop Evaluation
- Wetland Delineation
- Threatened & Endangered Species Desktop Assessment
- Threatened & Endangered Species Habitat Assessment
- Cultural Phase 1A Study
- Topography Survey
- Hydrology Study
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 agencies, higher education, elected officials, and other key stakeholders to see how we can best work together to support sustainable social and economic development.
Contact us
We appreciate your interest in AES’ National Grasslands Project. Please contact us using the information below.