AES’ Yampa solar + storage project is a planned solar and battery energy storage facility to be located about four miles southwest of Craig in Moffat County, Colorado. This project will feature the most advanced solar and battery energy storage technologies available and will directly support Colorado’s goal of transitioning to 100% clean electricity generation by 2040.
Project overview
199 MW solar + 100 MW battery energy storage capacity
Enough energy to power 60,000 Colorado homes
Moffat County, Colorado
Project details
- 1,466-acre footprint on 3,850 acres of privately held land, equivalent to 0.1% of agricultural land in Moffat County
- Utility customers will receive energy produced by the project
- AES will be the long-term owner and operator of the facility
- At the end of the project's life, a decommissioning plan allows for the land to return to agricultural use or other uses consistent with land-use policies at the time
Expected project timeline
Project updates
- Rezone and Solar Energy Facility / Conditional Use Permit application submitted 10/31/2024
Economic and environmental benefits
We believe in being a good neighbor, ensuring responsible and sustainable energy development that benefits both the environment and local communities without burdening existing infrastructure.
485,000 MWh carbon-free electricity generated each year, improving air quality and reducing CO2 emissions
$15 million expected new tax revenue over the life of the project, making AES one of the top taxpayers in Moffat County.
300 jobs expected to be created during peak construction
Benefits to local communities
- Long-term tax revenue to counties, towns and school districts
- Job creation during construction and operation
- Landowner income diversification, keeping land in the family
- Local economic stimulus during construction
- Affordable, reliable, locally produced energy
- Social impact funding to area community organizations and non-profits
- 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
Best practices in responsible and sustainable development
At AES, safety is our highest priority, and we’ve focused on improving lives for more than 40 years. As a leading innovator in energy solutions, sustainability is core to both our strategy and our culture. We are committed to responsible land use and incorporating sustainable best practices into the entire project lifecycle, contributing to building a domestic circular renewables economy and reducing foreign dependence.
Environmental and technical studies
We conduct a series of studies that ensure our projects are thoughtfully and responsibly designed.
- Cultural Resources
- Ecological
- Geotechnical
- Topographical
- Wetland
- Species and Habitat
Partnering with communities for the future of energy
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.
Workforce Development Program
AES has partnered with Solar Energy International (SEI), a leading solar training educational non-profit organization, to provide workforce development services in Colorado. These services include an AES-funded scholarship for 15 Colorado residents to enroll in SEI’s North America Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Associates online training package.
This 10-week solar installation training program targets veterans, formerly incarcerated citizens returning to the workforce, and high school-aged adults from underserved communities. AES has already invested $30,000 and is prepared to invest more funds to continue the program and enhance it as it grows.
GRID Alternatives solar installations and Tribal Solar Accelerator Program
AES has partnered with GRID Alternatives, an energy equity nonprofit, in many communities across Colorado and the country. AES provides funding and employee volunteer hours to install rooftop solar panels for qualifying households and businesses.
As part of AES’ partnership with GRID Alternatives, AES donated $50,000 to support GRID's TSAF program for developing tribal solar projects and workforce development training programs.
KidWind Educational Competitions
AES also partnered with KidWind to support two 2023 Colorado competitions for 4th-12th graders. These competitions support creativity on renewable energy-related projects and concepts. AES employees volunteered as judges for the competition and sponsor necessary materials for the two events. AES has also pledged to connect Crowley School District with KidWind to support a renewable energy “education week” for students K-12.
AES is a proud member and partner of
- Craig Chamber of Commerce
- Colorado Crane Conservation Coalition
- Colorado Cattlemen’s Agriculture Land Trust
Meet your AES team
Graham Basecke
Lead Developer
Libby Fortin
Permitting
Holly Keifer
Community Relations
Stay updated
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