of AES Corp has announced the commencement of commercial operation of the first phase of its Cheveron Butte wind farm. The project is located at Cheveron Butte Ranch in Coconino and Navajo Counties, Arizona. When both phases are fully operational next year, the entire project is expected to produce a total of 454 MW of wind energy. The first phase of the project will bring 238 MW of clean energy online, with the remaining 216 MW expected to reach commercial operation in 2024.
“This landmark project will bring cost-competitive renewable energy to Arizona while operating one of Arizona’s oldest working ranches,” said AES Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Bernard da Santos, COO and President of Renewables, said. “When both phases are complete, Cheveron Butte will be Arizona’s largest wind energy project and the first wind farm built in northern Arizona in almost a decade. Our landlord, local community partner, Coconino County and Navajo County leaders, Arizona government agencies, and our customer, APS, will help ensure that this project, alongside the Arizona ranch industry, will continue to serve clean energy for decades to come. was guaranteed to produce
“APS is the leader in clean energy in Arizona and is committed to adding more renewable energy sources while maintaining a reliable and affordable power system,” said APS Deputy Resource Management. President Justin Joyner said. “The Cheveron Butte wind farm will add even more wind energy to our balanced and diversified energy portfolio and will contribute to our 51% growth towards our goal of providing 100% clean energy to our customers by 2050. It helps us move our clean resource portfolio forward.”
The wind farm will be compatible with existing land use and will allow landlord families and the Arizona Department of Lands to continue a century-old tradition of raising livestock and managing this land. All lease payments to the State Department of Lands directly fund Arizona public schools, colleges and other beneficiaries in the state. Working closely with regulators and permitting agencies, AES also avoids sensitive environmental resources by integrating a radar-activated lighting system that allows the federally mandated turbine lights to illuminate only at low temperatures. , also incorporates unique design features to preserve the internationally recognized dark sky characteristics of northern Arizona. – A flying aircraft is nearby.
“The Cheveron Butte Wind Farm is a great example of AES’ commitment to sustainable clean energy development,” said Woody Rubin, AES Clean Energy Chief Development Officer. “We have carefully designed this large-scale project to introduce advanced technology and create positive economic and environmental outcomes for Arizona, Coconino and Navajo counties.”
The project will use the most advanced wind energy technology ever installed and will include a total of 105 wind turbines when fully built. Upon completion of both phases, AES’ Cheveron Butte wind farm is expected to generate enough electricity to power 110,000 homes annually.
News article from AES
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