A new solar-plus-storage system planned for Cochise County will enhance Tucson Electric Power’s (TEP) ability to provide clean energy to its customers when demand is highest.
This system, which will be built, owned, and operated by Torch Clean Energy, is a significant step in TEP’s commitment to a cleaner, greener grid.
Winchester Solar Facility: A Powerhouse of Renewable Energy
The Winchester Solar facility will comprise an 80-megawatt (MW) solar array and an 80 MW battery system, scheduled to become operational in 2027.
Located approximately 18 miles west of Willcox, it will generate enough energy annually to power around 11,000 homes.
TEP plans to charge the grid-connected batteries during the morning and early afternoon when solar energy is abundant.
This stored energy can then be delivered later in the day when customer energy usage typically peaks. The 320-megawatt-hour battery system can provide 80 MW of AC energy for four hours when fully charged, ensuring reliability during high-demand periods.
Energy Storage: A Key to a Reliable Transition
Susan Gray, TEP’s President and CEO, emphasized the importance of energy storage in the company’s transition to cleaner energy resources.
She stated, “This new system will help us maximize the use of an abundant, affordable energy resource by shifting solar energy to times of greatest need.” TEP’s expanding energy storage portfolio also helps balance energy fluctuations caused by cloud cover or changes in energy usage.
The Winchester Solar facility complements TEP’s recent and planned additions of clean energy resources, which are essential to achieving its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
These additions include the Oso Grande Wind Project, the Wilmot Energy Center (with solar and battery storage), the Borderlands Wind Project, the Raptor Ridge solar system, and the upcoming Roadrunner Reserve energy storage system.
Selection Process and Future RFPs
The Winchester Solar project was selected through a competitive all-source request for proposals (RFP) in 2022.
This process identifies the most cost-effective projects that meet specific energy requirements, aligning with TEP’s long-term integrated resource plans. An independent third party, Sargent & Lundy, oversees the process.
TEP and UniSource Energy Services are currently evaluating proposals submitted in response to a joint RFP issued in December 2023.
This RFP identified a need for up to 625 MW of renewable and energy efficiency resources, along with up to 825 MW of “firm capacity” resources, including energy storage systems and demand response programs.
About TEP
TEP is a safe and reliable electric service provider serving over 447,000 customers in Southern Arizona. It is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leading North American regulated electric and gas utility company.