Milligan Energy Center

The project is a long-term asset for Ørsted and the Eloy community, that will generate millions in project tax revenue over its lifetime that will benefit the city and the Eloy and Picacho Elementary School District. Furthermore, project construction will create upwards of 300 local jobs, as well as several full-time employment opportunities throughout the lifetime of the project.

Utility-scale solar projects like Milligan can transform local economies by providing clean, affordable energy through predictable contracts that stabilize electricity prices. As solar installation costs have declined by 70% in the last decade, solar energy has become financially competitive with conventional power sources.

Additionally, the project will generate millions in new tax revenue, supporting schools, road improvements, and emergency services, all without the need to raise local taxes.

BESS allow energy generated by the solar farm to be stored and used when demand is highest, ensuring reliable power delivery during peak times. Each BESS cube, resembling a shipping container, stores 1.3 MW of power and is critical in maintaining grid stability. The project’s 300 MW, four-hour BESS system will be one of the largest built in a single phase in the U.S., providing flexibility to Salt River Project’s (SRP) power grid.

BESS are essential for grid reliability and flexibility, storing energy when it's abundant and discharging it during peak demand periods. They also provide services like frequency regulation, voltage control, and emergency backup in case of outages.

The BESS used in this project are designed with multiple layers of safety and risk mitigation, including 24/7 remote monitoring. Ørsted has collaborated with local fire departments to develop comprehensive emergency response and hazard mitigation plans. Only trained personnel will have access to the battery storage facility.

As a long-term operator of solar and wind projects, Ørsted is committed to the highest quality standards of project construction and safety. This starts with the first steps of development and lasts until the project is decommissioned.

Procurement of solar panels from Tier 1 manufacturers that adhere to the highest quality standards.
Local procurement of materials and local hiring, when possible.
Approximately 25-50% of union hires for construction of the project will be sourced locally.
Regular deployment of Operation & Maintenance staff to ensure site safety and peak performance.
24/7 system monitoring to track performance and proactively detect any issues.

Ørsted also prioritizes site water management, mowing, safety and site security. We collaborate with trade associations such as Interwest Energy Alliance and the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association to ensure state-recognized standards are maintained for our solar site throughout its life and encourage other developers to adhere to similar standards.

Additionally, a combination of native seeds will be planted within the project footprint to avoid erosion and ensure the restoration of native habitat. The project’s vegetation management plan was established with the City of Eloy.