Enlight Renewable Energy Breaks Ground On 1.2 GW Solar + 4 GWh Storage CO Bar Complex In Arizona, Expected To Power 215,000 Homes

Enlight Renewable Energy, a leading global renewable energy developer and independent power producer, announced that it has reached significant development milestones for the CO Bar Complex in Arizona and is now moving the project into full-scale execution. The CO Bar Complex is one of the largest renewable energy projects in the United States. It consists of five stages with a combined solar generation capacity of 1.211 GW and energy storage capacity of 4.0 GWh. CO Bar 1 includes 258 MW of solar power and 824 MWh of storage. CO Bar 2 and CO Bar 3 contribute 480 MW and 473 MW of solar generation, respectively, while CO Bar 4 and CO Bar 5 are dedicated to energy storage, providing 1,600 MWh and 1,576 MWh, respectively.

The total investment for the complex is estimated between USD 2.86 billion and USD 3.01 billion, with a net investment after tax benefits of approximately USD 1.55 billion to USD 1.63 billion. Once operational, the project is expected to generate between USD 264 million and USD 278 million in electricity sales in its first full year and provide enough clean energy to power more than 215,000 homes in Arizona. The CO Bar Complex has secured a 1 GW AC Large Generator Interconnection Agreement. Additionally, Enlight has signed two 20-year busbar Energy Service Agreements with Salt River Project for the storage stages, CO Bar 4 and CO Bar 5, ensuring offtake agreements for the entire complex.

The development of CO Bar comes shortly after the financial closing of the Snowflake project, another large-scale solar and storage initiative that includes 600 MW of solar generation and 1,900 MWh of energy storage. Together, these projects strengthen Enlight’s presence in the U.S., where the company now has a mature portfolio totaling approximately 6,500 FMW. The CO Bar Complex illustrates Enlight’s “connect-and-expand” approach, using a large interconnection to efficiently develop multiple project components, reduce development risks, and improve investment returns.

Adi Leviatan, CEO of Enlight, stated that CO Bar represents a major advancement for the company’s U.S. operations. He noted that completing the interconnection and commercial framework for such a large, integrated solar and storage complex demonstrates Enlight’s ability to execute at scale, strengthen partnerships with utilities, and deliver long-term value from high-quality renewable energy assets. He added that as the demand for clean and reliable power grows, CO Bar and the expanding U.S. portfolio position Enlight for sustained growth.

Jared McKee, CEO of Clēnera, commented that reaching these milestones highlights the company’s capacity to develop large utility-scale solar facilities that not only provide reliable clean energy but also support regenerative land management principles.

All five stages of the CO Bar Complex were secured in 2025. Construction for CO Bar 1 and CO Bar 2 has already progressed to civil works, while CO Bar 3 to CO Bar 5 is expected to be fully mobilized within the next 12 months. Initial commercial operations are anticipated in stages from the second half of 2027 through the first half of 2028.