The Journal
As part of its efforts to embrace more renewable energy, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association has announced that it has contracted with Juwi Solar Inc. for the 110-megawatt Dolores Canyon Solar project in Southwest Colorado.
Dolores Canyon Solar is set to come on line in the fourth quarter of 2023, and is one of six projects announced by Tri-State. With two additional projects announced in 2019 that have yet to be constructed, Tri-State will add 1,019 megawatts of wind and solar capacity to the association’s system by 2024, when 50% of the energy consumed in Tri-State’s system will come from emission-free renewable energy.
Dolores Canyon Solar will provide enough generation to meet the electricity needs of 32,000 households. It is within the service territory of Tri-State’s cooperative member, Empire Electric Association in Cortez.
Juwi will build, own and operate the Dolores Canyon Solar project. Terms of the contract will not be released.
The Tri-State board of directors approved development of the association’s Responsible Energy Plan in July 2019. Tri-State has moved quickly since that time with its energy transition, which will lead to a cleaner energy portfolio and increased member flexibility, while ensuring continued reliability and a goal of stable wholesale rates.