Agreement is key to keeping EVRAZ in Pueblo, implementing Xcel Energy’s clean-energy goals
By Judith Kohler | The Denver Post
A key piece of Xcel Energy-Colorado’s clean-energy plan fell into place Friday with the announcement of a long-term deal to develop a solar facility at a steel mill in Pueblo.
Xcel Energy, EVRAZ North America, which owns the mill, and Lightsource BP said they have reached a long-term agreement to develop a 240-megawatt solar array at the mill site. It is expected to start operating by the end of 2021.
Provided by Xcel EnergyA rendering of the solar project in Pueblo.
Lightsource BP will finance, build, own and operate the $250 million Bighorn solar project and sell all the electricity to Xcel Energy under a long-term power purchase agreement, the companies said in a statement.
EVRAZ, Xcel Energy’s largest power consumer in Colorado, had said it would consider moving out of the state without assurances of low electricity prices. The issue came up after Xcel Energy revealed plans to close two coal power plants in Pueblo early to increase its use of renewable energy.
