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.
Project overview
500 MW solar plus 325 MW storage capacity
Enough clean energy to power 70,897 homes annually
Morgan County, Colorado
Project overview
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1,800 acres of privately owned land per project site
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Provides clean energy to Xcel Energy customers
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2027 estimated operational date
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Up to 25-year project life with AES as long-term owner operator
Economic and environmental benefits
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
Expected economic benefits include new tax revenue and 340 local jobs during construction and operations
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650,260 MWh of carbon-free electricity each year per project
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507,980 tons of CO2 emissions expected to be offset on average each year per project, equivalent to the emissions generated by burning over 51 million gallons of gasoline in one year
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Project will increase patronage to local businesses and services through an expanded workforce
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AES cultivates local partnerships with organizations for economic and social impact
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Low-cost supply of clean energy at a long-term fixed cost over the project lifetime
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No permanent service requirements for the site, including the use of water and sewer
AES is deeply committed to working with the community, area leaders, policymakers and regulators to responsibly develop and operate all of our clean energy projects. Our strategic approach is to engage early and often with local stakeholders to share information about the project and most importantly, gather feedback to address issues that may arise. This proactive approach to stakeholder engagement is intended to ensure the local community’s questions and concerns are addressed and enable timely approvals.
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.
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Boundary & Topographic survey – Complete
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Biological Resources review – Complete
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Site visit to look for presence of threatened and endangered species and waterbodies
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Biological Studies – Complete
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Wetlands and waterbodies
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Habitat
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Sensitive species’ habitat
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Geotechnical survey - Complete
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FEMA Flood Plain Analysis – Complete
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Phase 1 ESA – Complete
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CPW – Wildlife coordination – In Progress
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SHPO – Cultural Resources memo – Complete
Community engagement
AES is committed to being a good neighbor to the Morgan 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 business, 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 want to hear from you! We appreciate your interest in AES’ Pawnee II solar project.
Phone number: 720-418-8401
Email: communityinquiries@aes.com