Avantus — a solar project developer — has entered into a power purchase agreement with Arizona Public Service (APS) for the Kitt Solar Project. This 100-MWAC solar array will be in Pinal County with 400 MWh of energy storage. The project is set to complete development and construction in 2025, with operations slated to begin in 2026.
Kitt Solar Project to Boost Jobs, Services and Cut Carbon Emissions
The Kitt solar project is expected to create up to 400 construction jobs and contribute local tax revenues to fund essential services such as schools, public safety and infrastructure throughout its lifetime.
With the ability to power up to 32,000 homes in Arizona, it will also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 200,000 metric tons annually — equivalent to removing 45,000 cars from the road.
Cliff Graham, Avantus's Chief Executive Officer, highlighted: “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 it will also provide much-needed energy storage capacity to meet rising demand and create a more resilient grid in Arizona.”
Solar Project to Strengthen Arizona's Grid Amid Temperature Rise
Integrating solar and energy storage will be crucial in enhancing Arizona's electric grid resilience, ensuring the state can meet peak demand during extreme heat. In 2024, Arizona experienced 113 consecutive days of temperatures over 100°F, thus setting new electricity demand records — a trend expected to persist in the coming years.
Derek Seaman, APS Director of Resource Acquisition, said: “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 Expands Solar and Storage Portfolio in Arizona
Avantus holds one of the largest pipelines of solar and energy storage projects in the U.S., with 30 GW of solar and 94 GWh of energy storage. This agreement further strengthens Avantus’ presence in Arizona following the recent sale of the Catclaw solar and energy storage project in Maricopa County to D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) which will also supply energy to APS through a PPA arranged by Avantus.
Avantus is leading the transition to reliable, low-cost clean energy on a global scale. The company highlighted its history of innovation in next-generation solar energy such as the development of one of the nation’s largest solar clusters and one of the first projects to undercut fossil fuel prices in 2016.
Currently, Avantus is expanding the boundaries of existing technologies to build one of the largest portfolios of solar power plants with integrated storage to provide affordable, zero-emission energy to 20 million people both day and night.