The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has given the green light to the Elizabeth Solar Project, an important renewable energy initiative set to take place on around 1,411 acres of public land in the Agua Caliente Solar Energy Zone, located near Dataland in Yuma County. Slated to launch in 2026, this project is anticipated to significantly illuminate the region, providing power to both homes and industries.

Proposed by Elisabeth Solar, LLC, the project encompasses the construction, operation, maintenance, and eventual decommissioning of extensive solar (PV) energy and battery storage facilities. Once operational, it’s expected to produce up to 270 megawatts (MW) of solar power while having the capacity to store up to 300 MW of energy, making a vital contribution to the clean energy grid of the area.

Project Details

The electricity generated by this project will connect with the Arizona Public Services (APS) and California Independent System Operator (CAISO) grids through the hoodoo wash switch yards. This connection aims to bolster regional energy reliability and cater to the growing demand in both Arizona and California.

“Our top priority is to provide Americans with reliable energy sourced domestically,” stated Reikastro, the BLM Umafield Manager. “We are dedicated to collaborating with various governments—tribal, federal, state, and local—as well as stakeholders and industries to move this project forward.”

This initiative forms part of the federal government’s wider strategy to encourage renewable energy developments on public lands, aiming to align with national clean energy objectives while ensuring environmental protection and community engagement.

The Background of the Elizabeth Solar Project

The AGUA Caliente Solar Energy Zone, home to the Elizabeth Solar Project, is designated through the BLM solar energy program, which emphasizes developing locations with high solar potential and minimal environmental conflicts. This effort showcases BLM’s commitment to responsible energy development founded on careful site selection and collaboration with stakeholders.

The Elizabeth Solar Project has gone through considerable environmental review and public consultation to address cultural, ecological, and recreational concerns. Aligning with the federal drive to achieve renewable energy goals, it supports the Biden-Harris administration’s aspiration for a carbon-free electricity sector by 2035.

Project Fact Sheet

Project name: Elizabeth Solar Project
Developer: Elizabeth Solar, LLC
Location: Agua Caliente Solar Energy Zone, Yuma County, Arizona
Land area: Roughly 1,411 acres of public land
Energy generation capacity: Up to 270 megawatts (MW)
Energy Storage Capacity: Up to 300 megawatts (MW)
Interconnections: Hoodoo wash switch yard connecting to APS and CAISO grids
Project components: Solar panels, battery energy storage systems, access roads, substations, and transmission infrastructure
BLM Office: Uma Field Office
Environmental Review: Completed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
Next steps: Start of construction and ongoing coordination with local and tribal governments