NextEra Energy Resources (NEER), a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, is planning a 3000-acre (1214-ha) solar farm in the Sonoran Desert near the town of Buckeye, Arizona. Called the Sonoran Solar Project, the farm is expected to generate up to 260 MW of renewable energy accompanied by 260 MW of battery storage.
According to NEER, the energy storage component of the project will use batteries that increase the reliability and efficiency of the project, delivering more renewable energy for more hours of the day.
NEER estimates that the construction phase of the project will demand 500 jobs. After that, the project itself should create additional local employment opportunities. NEER estimates that the project will provide US$17.5 million in tax revenue over 35 years for the city of Buckeye. The tax revenue can be used to build roads, improve schools, and help other projects and services.
Sonoran Solar Energy LLC, a subsidiary of NEER, will construct, own, and operate the project. The subsidiary will be in charge of connecting the solar farm to the Arizona transmission grid. Ancillary features include an access road, transmission line, water pipeline, and well field.
