SOLAR POWER IN COLORADO
Pawnee Solar Project
The Pawnee Solar project is a planned solar-plus-storage project 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.
400 MW planned solar + 400 MW storage capacity
Enough clean energy to power 71K homes annually
Located in Morgan County, Colorado
Our clean energy commitment
AES’ Pawnee Solar 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.
982,000 MWh
of carbon-free electricity each year
Expected economic benefits include new tax revenue and 340 local jobs during construction and operations
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
Project details
- Developed on 3,300 acres of privately owned
- Provides clean energy to Xcel Energy customers
- 2029 estimated operational date
- Up to 30-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 stimulus during construction
Local economic stimulus during construction
Social impact funding to area community organizations and non-profits
Expected project timeline
2022 - 2024
Project Preparation
Development, Siting, Permitting
2025 - 2027
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
AES’ Pawnee II solar project was studied extensively and carefully planned to have no negative impact on regulated habitats; threatened and endangered species or cultural and 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.
- Boundary & Topographic survey – Complete
- Biological Resources review – Complete (Site visit to look for presence of threatened and 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
- CPW – Wildlife coordination – In Progress
- SHPO – Cultural Resources memo – 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’ Pawnee Solar Project. Please contact us using the information below.