ED3’s Apache Solar II project enters commercial operation
Electrical District No. 3’s newest renewable energy resource, Apache Solar II, officially entered commercial operation Dec. 5, marking a major milestone in the district’s long-term energy strategy.
The project adds 38 megawatts of solar generation to ED3’s portfolio and helped the district reach its goal of 100 megawatts of new renewable energy resources by its 100th anniversary next month. Apache Solar II also includes 38 megawatts of battery energy storage with four hours of duration, providing additional capacity and grid reliability.
Located in Cochise County on land owned by Arizona Electric Power Cooperative, the facility is now delivering cost-effective, emission-free electricity directly to the grid and to Maricopa-based ED3’s system. The project uses high-efficiency photovoltaic technology and pairs solar generation with co-located battery storage, allowing the resource to provide both renewable energy and capacity.
Commercial operation status confirms that all contractual, technical and interconnection requirements have been met. The plant will now operate under a 20-year long-term power purchase agreement. ED3 selected participation in the project in 2023, with commercial operation originally scheduled for this month.
ED3 credited collaboration with AEPCO and other electrical cooperatives and public power utilities as a key factor in developing the project. Apache Solar II has a total nameplate capacity of 235 megawatts of solar generation and 940 megawatt hours of battery energy storage, equivalent to 235 megawatts of four-hour battery capacity. ED3’s share of the project is just over 16%.
The launch of Apache Solar II, along with Box Canyon Solar, which entered commercial operation in June, allowed ED3 to meet its 100-megawatt renewable energy goal ahead of its centennial milestone next month.
District officials said the project represents another step toward expanding energy resources in a growing state, strengthening grid reliability and supporting long-term energy planning.