Via esVolta Development
(Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents esVolta Development.)
By Justin Mathews | Pinal Post
The Florence Town Council unanimously approved two key ordinances August 5th that will pave the way for the LightHorse Energy Storage project, a 400-megawatt battery energy storage system capable of powering approximately 200,000 homes during an eight-hour peak load period.
Project Details and Location
The Rose Law Group submitted the application on behalf of esVolta Development LLC for the large-scale battery energy storage system. The project site sits east of Attaway Road and south of Judd Road, strategically positioned next to Salt River Project’s existing substation to minimize required transmission infrastructure.
Grid Stability and Revenue Benefits
Jon Gillespie of Rose Law Group, representing the applicant, described how battery energy storage systems provide essential grid stability by storing excess power when generated and redistributing it during peak demand periods, typically in evening hours.
The project will generate significant revenue streams for Florence. According to projections provided by the applicant, esVolta estimates $1.5 million in property tax revenue for the town, $4.5 million for Florence Unified School District, and $10.4 million for Pinal County and other taxing districts over the 20-year project life. The company will also pay approximately $350,000 in development impact fees.
Industrial Corridor Development
The site is surrounded by existing and planned industrial uses, including industrial zoning to the west, solar development, battery energy storage, a gas plant, and the SRP substation to the north. Jon Gillespie of Rose Law Group noted during the council meeting that no existing or planned homes are located within 1,500 feet of the site. The Florence Tech Park application for adjacent properties seeks similar commercial-industrial designation.
