The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has officially approved the Elisabeth Solar Project, a major renewable energy initiative to be developed on approximately 1,411 acres of public land within the Agua Caliente Solar Energy Zone near Dateland in Yuma County, Arizona. The project is expected to begin operations in 2026, harnessing the sun’s power to supply homes and industry and bring transformation to the region.

Proposed by Elisabeth Solar, LLC, the project involves the construction, operation, maintenance and eventual decommissioning of a large-scale photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage facility. Once operational, it 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.”

Construction Review Online contacted the Department of the Interior – Region 8 (Lower Colorado Basin), which said the project supports the federal government’s broader goal of unleashing American energy development on public lands to strengthen the economy, while ensuring appropriate consideration of environmental impacts and meaningful engagement with local communities.

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 prioritise development in areas with high solar potential and lower environmental conflict. This reflects the BLM’s approach to responsible renewable energy development through careful site selection and stakeholder collaboration.

The project underwent extensive environmental review and public consultation under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), ensuring cultural, ecological and recreational values were considered. It also aligns with broader federal efforts to expand domestic energy production on public lands.

Project Fact Sheet

• Project Name: Elisabeth Solar Project
• Developer: Elisabeth Solar, LLC
• Location: Agua Caliente Solar Energy Zone, near Dateland, Yuma County, Arizona
• Land Area: Approximately 1,411 acres of public land
• Energy Generation Capacity: Up to 270 MW
• Energy Storage Capacity: Up to 300 MW
• Interconnection: Hoodoo Wash switchyard, connecting to the APS and CAISO grids
• Project Components: Photovoltaic solar panels, battery energy storage system, access roads, substation and transmission infrastructure
• BLM Office: Yuma Field Office
• Environmental Review: Completed under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
• Next Steps: Construction commencement and ongoing coordination with local and Tribal governments