Continued development of Copper Crossing

The continued development will complement the existing solar generation at the site and is expected to feature generating resources needed to support and enable SRP’s transition to a lower carbon resource portfolio, including advanced solar technology, two flexible natural gas turbines with a total output of less than 100 megawatts (MW), and small-scale long-duration energy storage (LDES) technologies, to be developed in phases over the next few years. Additional phases of development of the site may be proposed at a later date and would continue to explore various resources such as solar, storage, additional flexible natural gas turbines, or other resources SRP may need that best fit its system needs and requirements as we transition to a more sustainable resource mix.

SRP Management is currently in the process of developing proposals for phase 3 of the project, which will include long-duration energy storage pilot projects. SRP Management plans to seek approval from the SRP Board for Phase 3 in 2023.

Presentation on Copper Crossing.

Phase I project information: Flexible natural gas generation

On Sept. 12, the SRP Board approved the first phase of continued development at the Copper Crossing site located on land owned by SRP adjacent to the existing Abel Substation on West Judd Road and the Copper Crossing Solar Ranch on West Bella Vista Road in Florence, Arizona.

Phase 1 consists of the installation of two flexible natural gas turbines with a total output of less than 100 megawatts (MW) and facilities needed to interconnect the turbines to the power grid. A series of 69 kV poles, lines and infrastructure will connect the new facilities to the existing Abel Substation.

In November 2022, we expect to begin preparing the site for general construction activities. You might also notice construction fencing and other equipment on-site.

Phase I construction progress

Phase 1 of site development consists of installing two flexible natural gas turbines with a total output of less than 100 megawatts (MW) and facilities needed to interconnect the turbines to the power grid.

A new well is needed in conjunction with Phase 1. General construction and well drilling are expected to begin in March 2023. The drilling phase will require crews to work 24 hours per day for approximately four months. After the drilling phase is complete, aquifer testing activities will start and take approximately one month to complete. Testing will occur during daylight hours, except for one day that will require a 24-hour continuous test period. The drilling and testing should be complete by August 2023, barring any unforeseen circumstances. Well site construction will commence after the drilling phase is completed and will be accomplished during normal working hours.

Air permit application

The 30-day public comment period for the air permit application begins on Jan. 26, 2023. A virtual public hearing will be held on Feb. 27, 2023. For further details regarding the air permit and how to participate in the public process, please visit pinal.gov/401/Industrial-Permit-Public-Notices.

Phase II project information: Advanced solar generation

On Dec. 5, the SRP Board approved Phase 2 Advanced Solar Generation at Copper Crossing. This development will take place on the land owned by SRP adjacent to the existing Abel Substation on West Judd Road and the existing Copper Crossing Solar Ranch on West Bella Vista Road in Florence, Arizona, to create the Copper Crossing Energy and Research Center.

The Phase 2 Solar Generation project will consist of photovoltaic solar arrays capable of generating up to 55 megawatts (MW). The Phase 2 Solar Generation will be located west of Attaway Road at the Copper Crossing Energy and Research Center and cover approximately 270 acres. SRP will develop, own and operate the facility and implement advanced solar array technology that will provide improved efficiency and performance. The proposed project will provide carbon-free energy supporting SRP’s 2035 Sustainability Goals.

Phase III project information: Energy storage

SRP Management is in the process of developing a proposal for Phase 3 of the project, which will include long-duration energy storage pilot projects. SRP Management plans to seek approval from the SRP Board for Phase 3 early in 2023.

Phase 3 will include the installation of up to three pilot projects to test energy storage alternatives to traditional lithium-ion batteries that may store up to 10 hours of energy. SRP is evaluating potential options for the first pilot and plans to develop a proposal for SRP Board approval this summer. These types of small test pilots will help SRP understand how new technologies will perform in our hot environment and evaluate whether it makes sense to consider larger-scale projects in the future. Longer-duration energy storage technologies can help ensure grid reliability and enable additional renewable energy on the system in support of SRP’s 2035 Sustainability Goals.

Contact us

If you have questions about the project call (602) 236-2872(602) 236-2872 or email 2872line@srpnet.com.