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 173K 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
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 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
2020 - 2022
Project Preparation
Development – Sitting – Permitting
2022 - 2024
In Construction
Sustainability Resources
Sustainability best practices
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.
Environmental and technical studies
We conduct a series of studies that ensure our projects are thoughtfully and responsibly designed.
- Wetland and waterbody delineation
- Habitat assessment
- Marsh bird survey
- Breeding Bird survey
- Rare Plant survey
- Winter raptor 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.
In Jefferson County, AES is a proud supporter of:
- North Country Chamber of Commerce – Watertown
- Career Jam Sponsor 2023 and 2024
- IBEW Local 910
- United Way of Watertown
- Lyme Free Library
- Jefferson-Lewis-Oneida-St. Lawrence BOCES
- Three Mile Bay Fire Department
Contact us
We appreciate your interest in AES’ Rocky Mountain Solar 500 Project. Please contact us using the information below.