Avantus simulated overview image of planned location.
Staff members from Avantus and BHP were on hand at the Open House to answer questions, address concerns, and provide input regarding the proposed solar farm project on approximately 1,200 acres of previously disturbed BHP land. Several topics were presented and discussed with community members in attendance.
A Visual Simulation was available to view so that attendees could see what the Ore Town Solar Project is expected to look like in video format as seen from Veteran’s Memorial Boulevard. More information and the ability to view the simulation can be found at https://www.oretownsolar.com/visual-simulations. Additional images and an overview are available as well.
Ore Town Solar is a proposed clean energy project under development on private land in San Manuel, an unincorporated community in Pinal County.
Ore Town would feature a 145 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) facility and a 145 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to help meet Arizona’s growing energy needs. The batteries would store electricity generated from the solar panels and deliver clean energy to the grid during periods of high demand.
Here is some of the information provided:
Solar Makes a Good Neighbor
- A utility-scale solar facility has a low-height profile, generates no emissions or odors, produces minimal noise, and uses only small amounts of water.
- Long, continuous rows of solar panels will be installed behind an existing security fence, with the panels rotating throughout the day.
- Their height typically ranges between 6 to 10 feet above the ground, depending on the angle of rotation.
- The battery systems are housed in modular metal structures that resemble standard shipping containers.
- Once constructed, little to no daily traffic would be produced.
Some answers provided at previous open houses include:
Where will the power go? – “The Ore Town solar project would connect to Arizona’s electric grid, improving grid resiliency throughout the region. While the project has not contracted with an energy buyer or utility yet, it is estimated to provide enough clean energy to provide power for approximately 35,000 Arizona homes.”
Community Benefit? – “Ore Town Solar would create jobs and offer a massive boost to local tax revenue without requiring the community to incur costly new services. This infusion of tax resources, estimated to generate tens of millions over the project’s operating life, could provide essential funding for services like education, fire districts, and emergency services. Additionally, the project is expected to create over 200 peak construction jobs, with local hires prioritized.”
Visual Impact? – “We believe viewsheds will be minimally impacted given the solar equipment has a low-profile, around 6 to 10 feet tall, or about the height of a privacy fence. The battery systems resemble the size and shape of standard shipping containers.” The panels reach about 12 feet high when fully extended.
BHP’s Role? – “BHP owns the land the project would be sited on. With the mine now closed, the company is hoping to repurpose the land in a clean and economical way.”
Increase in energy bills? – “No. Local electricity rates are not expected to be directly impacted by this project.”
Fire Risk and Safety Concerns? – “Avantus will coordinate closely with the San Manuel Fire District throughout the design, construction, and testing phases to ensure the project adheres to safety standards.
Avantus and project partners will prepare and maintain a comprehensive emergency response plan and will train all first responders on emergency procedures for a solar power plant and energy storage system.
The project will be monitored for any warning signs of potential issues. In the unlikely event of a fire, batteries are designed to prevent a spread beyond the project site. Projects include a minimum 100-foot clearance between battery containers and other buildings, public roads, and combustible material such as vegetation. This buffer also helps protect against high winds or wildfires.” Avantus is actively working with BHP and San Manuel Fire District personnel addressing any concerns.
Project Life? – “After the project life has been completed, the equipment would be removed and the land available for other uses. The project will have contractual agreements with the landowner and county that address the decommissioning of the plant and restoration of the land.” It is expected to go for 30-40 years dependent on agreements and contracts.
More information and answers to FAQs can be found at https://www.oretownsolar.com/faqs.
The project is currently moving through the permitting process and could be scheduled for construction in 2026 or 2027 if/when approved. The next step in the process is an application submittal and review. The proposal would be reviewed by the Planning & Zoning staff. Part of the application review process would include Zoning Changes and Planned Area Developments (PAD). Once all required paperwork is submitted in the application it is assigned a case number and placed on the next available agenda for the Planning and Zoning Commission.
The Commission holds public meetings in which anyone from the public may attend and speak to support or oppose a request. Avantus will make a formal presentation to the Commission and respond to any questions. The Commission can take any one of the three actions: continue the case to a future hearing, recommend approval to the Board of Supervisors or recommend denial to the Board. If the Commission makes a recommendation, the case will then be placed on the next available agenda for the Board of Supervisors.
The Board of Supervisors will review the case and vote to approve or deny their request. The Board of Supervisors is the only governing body that has legal authority to approve or deny the request. More information can be found at https://www.pinal.gov/233/Land-Use-Change-Process.
The community is encouraged to share ideas on community development and partnership opportunities, by contacting Avantus directly at 520-527-2168, emailing them at oretownsolar@swca.com or through the form online at https://www.oretownsolar.com/contact-us. They can be reached by mail at Ore Town Solar Project, C/O SWCA Environmental Consultants, 1645 S Plaza Way, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.
Our County Supervisor, Jeff McClure, can be contacted via email at bosdistrict4@pinal.gov. His office phone number is 520-866-6054. Additional information can be found at https://www.pinal.gov/1318/District-4-Supervisor.