~ Charlotte-based renewable generation developer Deriva Energy and not-for-profit wholesale power supply cooperative Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association have announced the start of commercial operations for their joint project, the Spanish Peaks Solar projects. The 140-megawatt (MW) solar plant, located in Las Animas County, Colo., will provide energy to Tri-State's members under two long-term power purchase agreements.

"We're proud to announce that our 140 MW solar plant in Las Animas, Colorado, is now fully operational," said John Clapp, CEO of Deriva Energy. "This project will provide affordable, reliable solar power to the community while contributing to the renewable energy transition effort. We're grateful for the support of everyone who helped make this possible and look forward to continuing to power Colorado with renewable energy."

The Spanish Peaks Solar projects are a significant step towards Tri-State's goal of reaching 50% renewable energy use by its members by late 2025. "Tri-State's members benefit from low-cost power from Spanish Peaks Solar as we progress towards our renewable energy goals," said Duane Highley, CEO of Tri-State. "Deriva Energy and JUWI have been great partners in helping us deliver reliable, affordable and responsible power to our members."

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The solar projects are located in the service territory of Tri-State member San Isabel Electric Association (SIEA), near the 30-MW San Isabel Solar Project which also provides power for Tri-State's members. Tax revenue generated from Spanish Peaks Solar will support various local organizations including the Trinidad Ambulance District, Aguilar Reorganized School District, Spanish Peaks-Purgatoire River Conservation District and Spanish Peaks-Boncarbo Fire Protection District.

Don Keairns, a SIEA board member and vice chair of the Tri-State board, emphasized the benefits that new generation projects bring to both Tri-State's members and rural communities. "Spanish Peaks Solar is part of the reliable, affordable and diverse resource portfolio from Tri-State to serve San Isabel Electric Association and the other members, and brings new investment and tax base to southern Colorado," he said.

Deriva Energy acquired Spanish Peaks Solar from global solar power developer JUWI Inc. in January 2024. The commercial operation of Spanish Peaks further demonstrates Deriva Energy's commitment to providing economic solutions for the energy transition, while also positioning the company as a key contributor to and developer for the clean energy landscape in the region. This project marks Deriva Energy's sixth utility-scale renewable project in Colorado.

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JUWI was responsible for the development and engineering, procurement and construction of the Spanish Peaks Solar projects, with its affiliate JSI Construction Group serving as the main general contractor. The projects created over 230 jobs during peak construction and will employ nine full-time workers for operations and maintenance. The solar photovoltaic modules used at the projects were procured by Deriva Energy.

"We are pleased with the on-time completion of Spanish Peaks Solar," said Michael Martin, CEO of JUWI Inc. "This achievement underscores our commitment to deliver cost-effective and high-quality solar projects. The project's timely completion results from strong collaboration with Deriva Energy, Tri-State, SIEA, and the local community and government in Las Animas County."

The Spanish Peaks Solar projects are part of Tri-State's plan to add 595 MW of solar resources between 2024-2025. The project will be supported in part through a $2.5 billion award in low-cost financing through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Empowering Rural America (New ERA) Program, which aims to provide reliable, affordable power to rural communities across four states.

With commercial operations now underway at Spanish Peaks Solar, both Deriva Energy and Tri-State are excited about their continued partnership in powering Colorado with renewable energy. This project serves as a prime example of the benefits that new generation projects bring to both energy providers and the communities they serve.

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