PHOENIX – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has officially approved the Elisabeth Solar Project, a major renewable energy initiative that will be developed on approximately 1,411 acres of public lands within the Agua Caliente Solar Energy Zone near Dateland in Yuma County.
The project, proposed by Elisabeth Solar, LLC, will involve the construction, operation, maintenance, and eventual decommissioning of a large-scale photovoltaic (PV) energy and battery storage facility. Once operational, the project is expected to generate up to 270 megawatts (MW) of solar power and store up to 300 MW of energy, making it a significant contributor to the region’s clean energy grid.
Project Details
Energy produced by the Elisabeth Solar Project will connect to the Arizona Public Service (APS) and California Independent System Operator (CAISO) grids through the Hoodoo Wash switchyard, enhancing regional energy reliability and supporting growing demand in both Arizona and California.
“Providing reliable, domestically sourced energy for the American public is a top priority,” said Ray Castro, BLM Yuma Field Manager. “We’re committed to working with Tribal, federal, state, and local governments, communities, stakeholder groups, and industry to move this project forward.”
The Project is part of the federal government’s broader strategy to encourage renewable energy development on public lands, supporting national goals for a clean energy economy while balancing environmental protections and community engagement.
Also Read: Groundbreaking at Box Canyon Solar project, Arizona
Background on the Elisabeth Solar Project
The Agua Caliente Solar Energy Zone, where the Elisabeth Solar Project will be located, was designated under the BLM’s Solar Energy Program to prioritize development in areas with high solar potential and lower environmental conflict. This initiative reflects BLM’s commitment to responsible renewable energy development through careful site selection and stakeholder collaboration.
The Elisabeth Solar Project underwent extensive environmental reviews and public consultation processes, ensuring that cultural, ecological, and recreational values were considered. The project also aligns with efforts to meet federal renewable energy targets, including the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of a carbon-free power sector by 2035.
Project Fact Sheet
Project Name: Elisabeth Solar Project
Developer: Elisabeth Solar, LLC
Location: Agua Caliente Solar Energy Zone, Yuma County, Arizona
Land Area: Approximately 1,411 acres of public land
Energy Generation Capacity: Up to 270 megawatts (MW)
Energy Storage Capacity: Up to 300 megawatts (MW)
Interconnection: Hoodoo Wash Switchyard connecting to APS and CAISO grids
Project Components: Photovoltaic solar panels, battery energy storage system, access roads, substation, transmission infrastructure
BLM Office: Yuma Field Office
Environmental Review: Completed under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
Next Steps: Construction commencement, ongoing coordination with local and Tribal governments
