Boone Hill solar project

AES’ Boone Hill 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.

Project overview

210 MW solar plus 120 MW storage capacity

Enough clean energy to power 84,500 homes annually

Pueblo County, Colorado, off US Highway 96

Project details

1,400 acres of privately owned land will host project
2028 estimated operational date
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 300 local jobs during construction and operations

612,800 MWh of carbon-free electricity each year
478,700 tons of CO2 emissions expected to be offset each year, equivalent to the emissions generated by burning over 48 million gallons of gasoline in one year
Project will increase patronage to local businesses and services through an expanded workforce
AES cultivates local partnerships with organizations for economic and social impact
Low-cost supply of clean energy at a long-term fixed cost over the project lifetime
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 & technical studies

AES’ Boone Hill 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 land.

Biological Studies – Complete
- Wetlands and waterbodies
- Habitat
- Sensitive species’ habitat
CPW – Wildlife coordination – In Progress
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment – Complete
ALTA Survey – Completed
SHPO – Cultural Resources memo – In Progress
Geotechnical site investigation – Complete
FEMA Flood Plain Analysis – Complete

Community engagement

AES is committed to being a good neighbor to the Pueblo 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.

AES’ current local community engagement

Member of Pueblo Chamber of Commerce
Member of PEDCO
Workforce Development Program created for Colorado residents for solar installation training and certification
Donation to Boone VFW Post 8898 for community space renovations

Colorado solar workforce program