Independent power producer (IPP) BrightNight, in collaboration with joint venture partner Cordelio Power, has initiated the construction of the 300MW Box Canyon solar project in Pinal County, Arizona. The project, covered by a power purchase agreement (PPA) signed in July of the previous year, is set to be the largest renewable energy procurement in the history of the Southwest Public Power Agency (SPPA), a representative body for municipal utilities in the region.
Scheduled to commence operations in the first half of 2025, the Box Canyon project marks the initial phase of a comprehensive 2GW portfolio owned by BrightNight and Cordelio Power in Arizona. Of this portfolio, 900MW is reportedly in “advanced stages” of development across three counties.
BrightNight CEO Martin Hermann expressed confidence in the project, stating, “At over 900,000MWh of projected annual production, our project will provide reliable, clean energy for over 40 years, generating local revenue, strengthening domestic energy security, and creating valuable American jobs.”
SPPA President of the Board Ken Robbins applauded the collaboration, noting, “SPPA is proud to supply its members with safe, clean, reliable, and affordable electricity from an industry-leading renewable power producer. BrightNight was able to understand our long-term goals and propose a solution to meet the needs of our members and their customers, while remaining cost-effective.”
Earlier this year, BrightNight also joined forces with electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian for an 800MW solar project on a brownfield former coal mining site in Kentucky, diversifying their renewable energy efforts.
