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.

A field of solar panels aligned in rows on a grassy landscape under a clear sky. A few bare trees are visible in the background.
A logo featuring a grey lightning bolt inside a circular gradient ring transitioning from purple to blue to green.
602 MW solar + 250 MW storage capacity
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Enough clean energy to power 173K homes annually
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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.  

Two workers wearing hard hats walk between rows of solar panels in a field with green grass. The background features trees with autumn foliage in shades of orange and yellow under a clear sky.

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

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Long-term tax revenue to local communities and school districts

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Job creation during construction and operation

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Local economic stimulation during construction

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Improved air quality and reduced CO2 emissions

Reliable energy

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

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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.