Solar project developer Avantus has signed a power purchase agreement with Arizona Public Service Company (APS) for the Kitt solar project, which is a 100 megawatt AC array paired with a 400 megawatt hour energy storage system. The Kitt solar project is located in Pinar County, Arizona, and is expected to complete development and begin construction by 2025, with operations expected to begin in 2026.

Avantus' agreement with APS will expand the supply of clean and reliable energy in Arizona and demonstrate our leadership in developing high-quality renewable energy projects, "said Cliff Graham, CEO of Avantus." The Jeter Solar project will not only provide clean solar energy and offset carbon emissions, but also provide much-needed energy storage capacity to meet growing demand and create a more resilient grid in Arizona

Kitt is expected to create up to 400 construction jobs throughout its operational period and generate local tax revenue for local services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure. This project can provide services to up to 32000 households in Arizona.

The solar energy+storage project will help address Arizona's energy resilience issues, as peak energy demand surges under extreme heat conditions. In 2024, Arizona experienced 113 consecutive days with temperatures reaching or exceeding 100 ° F, breaking records for electricity demand, and this trend is likely to continue in the foreseeable future.

Derek Seaman, APS Resource Procurement Director, said, "Peak energy demand from customers in Arizona is expected to increase significantly in the coming years." "The Jeter Solar project will add to our growing portfolio of solar and energy storage products and provide our customers with additional reliable, cost competitive clean electricity