Avantus and Arizona Public Service (APS) Seal Deal For Kitt Solar Project With Major Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

Today, Avantus announced it has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Arizona Public Service (APS) for the Kitt Solar Project. This agreement is an important step in Avantus’ expansion in Arizona and supports the ongoing growth of solar energy and storage in the state. The Kitt Solar Project, located in Pinal County near Eloy, Arizona, will include 100 MWac/130 MWdc of solar capacity and 400 MWh of energy storage. Avantus plans to complete development and begin construction in 2025, with the project expected to start operations in 2026.

Cliff Graham, Avantus Chief Executive Officer, said in a statement, “Avantus’ agreement with APS will expand the availability of clean and reliable energy in Arizona and is a testament to our leadership in developing high-quality renewable energy projects. The Kitt Solar Project will not only deliver clean solar energy and offset carbon emissions but will provide much needed energy storage capacity to meet rising demand and create a more resilient grid in Arizona.”

The Kitt Solar Project is expected to create up to 400 construction jobs and generate local tax revenue that will support essential services like schools, public safety, and infrastructure throughout its operational life. The project will have the capacity to power up to 32,000 homes in Arizona while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 200,000 metric tons annually, which is equivalent to removing 45,000 cars from the road.

The combination of solar power and energy storage will strengthen Arizona’s electric grid and help meet the state’s peak energy demands, especially during extreme heat. In 2024, Arizona experienced 113 consecutive days with temperatures at or above 100°F, breaking electricity demand records. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years.

Derek Seaman, APS Director of Resource Acquisition, stated, “Over the next several years, customer peak energy demand in Arizona is expected to grow significantly. The Kitt Solar Project will add to our growing solar power and energy storage portfolio and provide our customers with additional reliable, cost-competitive and clean electricity.”

Avantus has one of the largest portfolios of solar and energy storage projects in the U.S., with 30 GW of solar capacity and 94 GWh of energy storage. This latest agreement further strengthens Avantus’ presence in Arizona, building on the recent sale of the Catclaw Solar and Energy Storage Project in Maricopa County to D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI). The Catclaw project will also provide energy to APS through a power purchase agreement (PPA) negotiated by Avantus.