Wedoany.com Report-May 4, The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), under the Department of the Interior, approved a 270-megawatt (MW) solar project with co-located battery storage in Arizona on Friday. Proposed by Elisabeth Solar LLC, a subsidiary of Leeward Renewable Energy, the project received clearance after a final environmental assessment confirmed no significant impacts.

The Agave solar park in Arizona.

The photovoltaic (PV) park will be developed on approximately 1,411 acres of BLM-administered land near Dateland in Yuma County, within Arizona’s Agua Caliente Solar Energy Zone (SEZ). The facility will include a battery energy storage system (BESS) with up to 300 MW capacity to enhance operational reliability. A BLM spokesperson stated: “The Department of Interior agency said on Friday that it signed a decision record as the final environmental assessment has found no significant potential impacts from the scheme.”

The project will connect to the Arizona Public Service and California Independent System Operator grids, supplying clean energy to regional markets. Secured through a 2021 BLM Arizona State Office solicitation for solar capacity in the 2,300-acre Agua Caliente SEZ, Elisabeth Solar LLC entered a lease agreement with the BLM following the award. The company aims to commence commercial operations in 2026, as noted on the project’s website.

The Elisabeth solar farm supports Arizona’s renewable energy goals by delivering sustainable power and improving grid stability through its BESS. The co-located storage system will store excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours, ensuring consistent supply during high-demand periods. A Leeward Renewable Energy representative commented: “The project was secured by Leeward Renewable Energy’s unit in a 2021 solicitation by the BLM Arizona State Office for solar capacity within the 2,300-acre Agua Caliente SEZ.”

Located in the Agua Caliente SEZ, the project benefits from an area designated for solar development, minimizing environmental and land-use conflicts. The approval reflects the BLM’s commitment to advancing clean energy while maintaining responsible land management. The solar farm is expected to contribute to local economic growth by creating jobs and supporting Arizona’s transition to a low-carbon energy future.

Leeward Renewable Energy’s expertise in solar development strengthens the project’s potential to deliver reliable, renewable energy. The Elisabeth solar farm, with its integrated storage, positions Arizona as a leader in innovative energy solutions, meeting growing electricity demands sustainably. The BLM’s approval marks a significant step in expanding renewable energy infrastructure in the region.