Tri-State Partners with JUWI Inc. to Introduce Groundbreaking Solar Initiatives

Tri-State Partners with JUWI Inc. to Introduce Groundbreaking Solar Initiatives

(IN BRIEF) Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, a prominent energy entity, has forged a groundbreaking partnership with JUWI Inc., marking a monumental shift towards renewable energy endeavors. Their collaboration culminated in the acquisition of two solar projects in western Colorado: Axial Basin Solar and Dolores Canyon Solar. Axial Basin Solar, boasting 145 MW capacity, will occupy land near the soon-to-be-closed Colowyo Mine in Moffat County, while Dolores Canyon Solar, with a capacity of 110 MW, will be situated in Dolores County. These ventures signify Tri-State’s proactive approach to sustainability, aiming to diversify its energy sources and reduce reliance on conventional power generation. Scheduled to commence operations by late 2025, these projects propel Tri-State closer to its target of sourcing 50% of its energy from renewables. The financial terms of the acquisitions remain undisclosed, underscoring Tri-State’s commitment to cost-effective renewable solutions. Key stakeholders, including Tri-State’s CEO Duane Highley and JUWI Inc.’s CFO Steve Ihnot, have expressed enthusiasm for this transformative venture, highlighting the shared values of safety, quality, and community engagement. Moreover, the recent enactment of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has empowered not-for-profit electric cooperatives like Tri-State to leverage federal renewable energy tax credits, further incentivizing investments in clean energy infrastructure. U.S. Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado lauded the IRA’s passage, recognizing its pivotal role in fostering renewable energy growth and driving economic development in rural communities. In addition to the acquisitions, Tri-State is expanding its renewable energy portfolio by securing power purchase agreements (PPAs) for three additional solar projects in southern Colorado and New Mexico, set to be completed by the end of 2024. Through these initiatives, Tri-State aims to deliver 680 MW of solar energy across eight facilities by 2025, championing sustainable practices and catalyzing the transition to a cleaner, greener future.

(PRESS RELEASE) WÖRRSTADT, 6-Jun-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, a key player in the energy sector, has made history by embarking on its first-ever renewable energy venture. The not-for-profit wholesale power supplier has finalized the acquisition of two solar projects in western Colorado through a partnership with JUWI Inc., marking a significant shift towards sustainable energy solutions.

The Axial Basin Solar project, boasting a capacity of 145 megawatts (MW), is situated in Moffat County within the service territory of member White River Electric Association. Positioned adjacent to the Colowyo Mine, slated to cease operations later in the decade, this project represents a strategic move towards repurposing land for renewable energy generation. Meanwhile, the Dolores Canyon Solar project, with a capacity of 110 MW, is located in Dolores County, catering to the needs of Empire Electric Association.

Scheduled to commence power delivery to Tri-State’s member systems by late 2025, these solar projects are pivotal in achieving the ambitious goal of sourcing 50% of Tri-State’s energy from renewable sources. While the financial details of the acquisitions remain undisclosed, the partnership underscores Tri-State’s commitment to fostering renewable energy growth at a competitive cost.

Duane Highley, Chief Executive Officer of Tri-State, expressed gratitude towards JUWI Inc. for their collaboration in bringing these projects to fruition, emphasizing the significance of member ownership in solar initiatives facilitated by Tri-State.

Steve Ihnot, Chief Financial Officer of JUWI Inc., echoed Highley’s sentiments, expressing enthusiasm for spearheading some of the pioneering 100+ MW solar projects in western Colorado. He emphasized shared values of safety, quality, community engagement, and customer value in executing these ventures.

The enactment of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has played a pivotal role in empowering not-for-profit electric cooperatives to harness federal renewable energy tax credits, thereby enabling direct investment in renewable resources. U.S. Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado lauded this legislative milestone, highlighting its transformative impact on rural electric cooperatives’ ability to leverage clean energy incentives.

Highley commended Senator Bennet for his instrumental role in advocating for rural electric cooperatives’ access to federal clean energy tax credits, underscoring the profound implications for Tri-State and cooperatives nationwide.

In addition to the acquisitions, Tri-State is diversifying its renewable energy portfolio by securing power purchase agreements (PPAs) for three additional solar projects, slated for completion by the end of 2024. These include two projects in southern Colorado (Spanish Peaks and Spanish Peaks II) and one in New Mexico (Escalante Solar). By the conclusion of 2025, Tri-State aims to deliver 680 MW of solar energy across eight facilities, catering to the energy needs of nearly 200,000 homes.

About Tri-State
Tri-State is a power supply cooperative, operating on a not-for-profit basis, serving electric distribution cooperatives and public power district members in four states. Together with our member-owners, we deliver reliable, affordable and responsible power to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West. For more information about Tri-State, visit www.tristate.coop .

About JUWI
The JUWI Group has been one of the world’s leading specialists of renewable energy for nearly 30 years and offers complete project development, construction, and operational management of renewable energy plants.  JUWI employs more than 1,300 people worldwide, with operations and global headquarters in Germany, and subsidiaries in Asia, Africa, Europe and the United States. To date, JUWI has implemented more than 1,250 wind energy plants with a capacity of more than 3,000 megawatts and approximately 2,000 solar PV plants with a total capacity of over 4,000 megawatts. JUWI’s operations management group services wind energy and photovoltaic plants with a capacity of more than 4,100 megawatts.

Media Contact:

Christian Hinsch
Spokesperson
Tel: +49 6732 96 57-1201
Mobile: +49 172 67 949 12
hinsch@juwi.de

SOURCE: JUWI GmbH