World’s largest utility company to build solar energy project in Buckeye

PHOENIX — Utility company NextEra Energy Resources announced Monday a plan to build its next solar energy project in Buckeye.

The 3,000-acre facility known as the Sonoran Solar Project will be located just east of State Route 85 near the Riggs Road alignment, according to a press release.

The project will have a capacity of up to 260 megawatts of clean, renewable solar energy via the Photovoltaic solar arrays along with 260 megawatts of battery storage to provide energy even when the sun isn’t shining, according to the official website.

Construction of the project is set to begin in October with operations starting as early as June of 2023.

It will be one of the largest solar facilities in Arizona, according to the release.

“The Sonoran Solar project is more than solar panels and batteries – it represents another significant capital investment in the city of Buckeye, the West Valley and the state of Arizona,” Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn said in the release.

“It’s another example of Buckeye’s commitment to sustainable and renewable energy production.”

Project estimates include $600 million of capital investment in the community, a $500,000 annual tax impact and 500 construction jobs, according to the release, with approximately 15 people being employed full-time when the project is operational.

The facility marks the third built in Arizona by NextEra Energy Resources, which operates solar projects in 27 states.

NextEra Energy Resources is the world’s largest utility company with a market capitalization of more than $100 billion and generates the most wind and solar energy of any other company, according to the official website.

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