BrightNight, in collaboration with its joint venture partner Cordelio Power and Southwest Public Power Agency (SPPA), has officially commenced the groundbreaking of the Box Canyon Solar Project. This significant 300-MW initiative, situated in Pinal County, Arizona, near the Town of Florence, marks a pivotal moment in SPPA’s history, representing the largest renewable energy procurement for the organization and a significant stride in Arizona’s transition to clean energy. Notably, this project is the inaugural construction launch within the 2 GW Arizona portfolio owned by BrightNight and Cordelio Power.
On November 15th, BrightNight CEO Martin Hermann, SPPA President of the Board Ken Robbins, and local leaders from Pinal County warmly welcomed Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs to commemorate this momentous occasion.
Governor Hobbs expressed, “While our state continues to experience historic economic growth, we must ensure this growth is sustainable, and there is no better place to do that than in our rural communities. This monumental project will not only generate clean energy, it will provide consistent revenue for the state and good paying jobs for local residents. My administration is committed to ensuring Arizona’s potential for solar energy is fully realized so that we can make our state the best place to live, work and raise a family.”
This groundbreaking ceremony is a significant achievement following the competitive selection of the Box Canyon project by SPPA in December 2020. BrightNight took the lead in developing the Box Canyon project as part of its joint venture with Cordelio Power.
The Box Canyon Solar Project is poised to generate enough electricity to power 77,000 Arizona homes and businesses annually. With a design optimized for performance and cost-effectiveness through BrightNight’s proprietary artificial intelligence-based platform, the project aims to deliver high value at the lowest cost.
Economic benefits will extend to the local community, as highlighted in an economic impact study by Elliott Pollack and Associates. The construction phase is projected to generate $47 million in Pinal County economic impact and create 300 American jobs. During operation, the Box Canyon Solar Project is expected to contribute an estimated $134 million in additional local economic benefits, encompassing property taxes, wages, and more, resulting in a total county-level economic contribution exceeding $180 million.
Notably, the project will also support education initiatives, with BrightNight CEO Martin Hermann announcing during the groundbreaking that a portion of the project’s operating proceeds will fund scholarships for 50 students to enroll in Central Arizona College’s electrician program over the next five years.
Beyond the local impact, the Box Canyon Solar Project reflects a commitment to a broader vision for Arizona, encompassing a 2 GW portfolio with 900 MW in advanced stages across three counties. This initiative is expected to create over 800 local skilled jobs and generate substantial tax revenue for the state and local municipalities.
Anticipated to be operational in the first half of 2025, the Box Canyon Solar Project stands as a testament to BrightNight’s dedication to advancing sustainable energy solutions in collaboration with key partners and stakeholders in Arizona.