Invenergy’s Hashknife Solar Energy Center Begins Construction

The 475-megawatt solar and storage project in Navajo County will power more than 110,000 American homes as one of the largest solar facilities in Arizona

NAVAJO COUNTY, AZ (December 17, 2024) - Invenergy, the leading privately-held developer, owner, and operator of sustainable energy solutions, announced the start of construction on the Hashknife Solar Energy Center in Navajo County, Arizona, on Thursday, December 12, 2024.

Consisting of two phases, Hashknife I (275 MW) and Hashknife II (200 MW), the energy center will produce 475 megawatts of solar power and provide 1,900 megawatt-hours of energy storage, making it one of the largest solar facilities in Arizona. This is enough clean energy to power more than 110,000 American homes while also bolstering long-term grid reliability. The projects are expected to support up to 450 jobs during peak construction and are anticipated to reach commercial operations in 2027. Hashknife will invest more than $49 million into the Navajo County community throughout its lifespan.

Construction on Hashknife I began earlier this month and will be completed by Blattner Company, an industry-leading provider and installer of renewable energy. Construction on the Hashknife II phase is anticipated to begin in mid-2025. Both phases have signed power purchase agreements with APS and are part of the utility’s largest portfolio of power secured through an RFP for Arizona consumers. They mark Invenergy’s 12th and 13th projects to reach construction or commercial operations in Arizona for APS.

“We are excited to break ground on the Hashknife Energy Center, taking the next step toward completing this solar and storage center with APS,” said Laura Miner, VP of Renewable Development at Invenergy. “Today, we also reach a new milestone in our long-standing relationship with the Navajo County community, and we look forward to further demonstrating our commitment to being a reliable partner for years to come.”

Invenergy celebrated the exciting milestone with a groundbreaking event at the project site on December 12, 2024. The event opened with a donation presentation for $1,000 from Invenergy to Navajo County Sheriffs Posse Search and Rescue. The groundbreaking event also included remarks from Invenergy and APS, as well as local and community leaders, followed by a gold shovel ceremony marking the start of construction.

“APS recently secured its largest-ever energy supply to serve customers reliably and affordably, and the Hashknife Solar Energy Center is one of many new, clean resources contracted as part of our planned addition of power sources,” said Tim Rusert, Director of Power Supply at APS. “Hashknife is an innovative project that will help bolster our solar power and energy storage portfolio, delivering clean energy to customers, especially at times when demand is highest and after sunset.”

“Projects like the Hashknife Solar Energy Center are crucial for the economic future of Arizona communities,” said Chris Pasterz, Navajo County Economic Development and Real AZ Director. “In addition to jobs and direct tax revenue for the County, this project will also bring increased activity and indirect investment that will boost the local economy for years to come. We are excited to continue to work with Invenergy and APS to deliver the significant economic benefits of projects like Hashknife to our County.”

Statewide, Invenergy invests over $2.2 million into local communities every year. Invenergy continues to advance a robust development portfolio of clean energy generation facilities across Arizona that will meet the demand for cost-effective, reliable energy solutions, while supporting economic development throughout local communities.

“In addition to local job creation and direct tax revenue, the Hashknife Solar Energy Center will also bring increased activity and indirect economic benefits throughout Northwest Arizona,” said Representative Myron Tsosie. “I am proud they chose Navajo County for these projects and look forward to seeing continued investment in the region from private companies like Invenergy.”

About Invenergy

Invenergy is accelerating cleaner, more reliable, affordable energy. Invenergy and its affiliated companies develop, build, own, and operate large-scale renewable and other clean energy generation, transmission and storage facilities in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Headquartered in Chicago, Invenergy has regional development offices in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Spain, Japan, Poland, and Scotland.

Invenergy and its affiliated companies have successfully developed more than 32,000 megawatts of projects that are in operation, construction or contracted, including wind, solar, transmission infrastructure and natural gas power generation and advanced energy storage projects.

Contact:

media@invenergy.com