Eleven Mile
Solar Center

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About the project


Bringing local jobs, investment, and clean energy to Pinal County, Arizona


Ørsted’s Eleven Mile Solar Center is a long-term asset for Pinal County that will help meet the energy needs of the state by providing clean, flexible, solar-powered electricity. This project represents a $1 billion investment in clean energy for Arizona.

Located on over 2,000 acres, the solar project will have the capacity to generate 300 megawatts of power – enough to power nearly 65,000 homes annually. The accompanying 300 MW / 1200 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) will store power for up to four hours each day, offering critical grid flexibility.

According to the Arizona Corporation Commission, the Eleven Mile Solar Center will also improve the reliability and safety of the local grid.

Location: Pinal County, AZ
Solar Capacity: 300 MW
Storage Capacity: 300 MW / 1,200 MWh four-hour BESS
Total Annual Energy: Enough to power nearly 65,000 homes
Construction Jobs Created Over 1,000 jobs
Operations: September 2024
Eleven Mile Solar project map
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Investment in Pinal County

Eleven Mile Solar Center is creating long-term value for landowners hosting the project while boosting the local economy. It is expected to generate over $80 million in tax revenue over the life of the project without adding new costs for services. The tax revenue will benefit local entities including Coolidge USD, Casa Grande ESD, Casa Grande UHS, Central Arizona College, the City of Eloy, the City of Coolidge, and Pinal County.

At its peak, the project created over 1,000 jobs, much of which was sourced locally. The project will continue to require ongoing support for operations and maintenance over its estimated 30-year lifespan.

Good Neighbors 

Ørsted is dedicated to being a good neighbor, listening to the communities where we work, and maintaining open lines of communication throughout construction and operations. Regular meetings with local officials and community members ensure that concerns are addressed promptly, ensuring positive long-term relationships.

Supporting American Manufacturing

We’ve prioritized supporting American companies, working with First Solar, Fluence, NEXTracker and SolarCycle to procure panels, batteries, and other critical materials for the project.

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A trusted partner in renewables
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Ørsted is a leading clean energy company that develops, constructs, and operates wind and solar farms, battery storage systems, and hydrogen facilities. As a longtime partner in renewables, we’re shaping an industry that works for workers, suppliers, and the environment, while delivering reliable energy to homes and businesses across America.

With decades of experience in clean energy, Ørsted knows how to develop, construct, and operate projects the right way. We see the buildout of American renewables as an opportunity to create jobs, boost economies, strengthen industry, improve energy security, and preserve nature. To achieve this, we partner with local communities across the country, working with tradespeople, business owners, conservationists, and policymakers.

Explore our solar portfolio

Through an established execution model developed over decades of experience, we are delivering clean energy and transforming local economies across the U.S. Check out some of our solar projects below.
FAQs
  • How will this project impact our community in Pinal County?
    The Eleven Mile Solar Center will provide significant long-term value for Pinal County and the state of Arizona. In addition to lowering energy costs for consumers, the project will generate over $80 million in tax revenue, supporting local schools, infrastructure, and emergency services – without raising local taxes. It will also create local employment opportunities, both temporary and long-term.
  • What are the benefits of solar energy?
    Utility-scale solar projects like Eleven Mile can transform local economies by providing clean, affordable energy through predictable contracts that stabilize electricity prices. As solar installation costs have declined by 90% in the last decade, solar energy has become financially competitive with conventional power sources. Over the life of the project, it will benefit both residents and businesses, including Meta’s data center in Mesa, AZ, by providing clean, reliable power.

    Additionally, the project will generate millions in new tax revenue, supporting schools, road improvements, and emergency services, all without the need to raise local taxes.
  • What are large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS)?
    BESS allow energy generated by the solar farm to be stored and used when demand is highest, ensuring reliable power delivery during peak times. Each BESS cube, resembling a shipping container, stores 1.3 MW of power and is critical in maintaining grid stability. The project’s 300 MW, four-hour BESS system will be one of the largest built in a single phase in the U.S., providing flexibility to Salt River Project’s (SRP) power grid.
  • Why are BESS needed?
    BESS are essential for grid reliability and flexibility, storing energy when it's abundant and discharging it during peak demand periods. They also provide services like frequency regulation, voltage control, and emergency backup in case of outages.
  • How safe are BESS?
    The BESS used in this project are designed with multiple layers of safety and risk mitigation, including 24/7 remote monitoring. Ørsted has collaborated with local fire departments to develop comprehensive emergency response and hazard mitigation plans. Only trained personnel will have access to the battery storage facility.
  • How does Ørsted ensure high standards for health, safety, and maintenance? 
    At Ørsted, we are committed to the highest quality standards to guarantee the safety and reliability of our solar and battery energy systems. This involves careful sourcing of materials, strict adherence to construction standards, and ongoing maintenance throughout the project's life. Additionally, we have partnered with local fire departments to develop comprehensive risk mitigation plans, ensuring swift and effective responses in the unlikely event of an emergency. Our dedication to safety extends from the initial development phase all the way to decommissioning.

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A global clean energy leader, Ørsted develops, constructs, and operates offshore and land-based wind farms, solar farms, energy storage facilities

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