Draconis Energy Project
Project summary
bp is developing the 360-megawatt ac (450 MWdc) Draconis Energy Project in Chino Valley, Yavapai County, Arizona and has engaged Lightsource bp to advance development activities for this project.
Development activities include the Draconis Energy Interconnection Project - a new 5.5-mile-long, 500-kilovolt transmission line to connect the planned solar and energy storage facility to the regional power grid.
If approved, the project is expected to generate new local tax revenue for the Chino Valley Unified School District and Yavapai County without an increase in taxes to local residents. The project will also provide greater energy independence, create new jobs during construction and operations, and will reduce carbon emissions for healthier air.
Economic benefits:
Private capital will fully fund the Draconis Energy Project, an investment into new energy infrastructure for Arizona’s energy security and independence. The Project will support between 400-500 direct jobs during peak construction and hundreds of indirect jobs.
Throughout the life of the solar and energy storage project, $53+ million in new tax revenue is expected to be generated, which will go toward local school systems, emergency services, and many other services - without the need for costly infrastructure improvements.
Questions
A critical step in all of our projects is soliciting community feedback to help shape our final plans. We welcome your questions and comments to ensure that our Draconis Energy Project is a great project for your community. If you’d like to find out more about this project, ask questions, or provide input, please email USCommunityRelations@lightsourcebp.com.
Schedule
The Draconis Energy Project is currently in its early stages. Lightsource bp is in the process of conducting various site studies as well as working with The US Bureau of Reclamation, US Forest Service, Arizona Corporation Commission, and the Town of Chino Valley on a path forward for permitting the project.
As the project progresses, our goal is to promote community engagement through events hosted by Lightsource bp leading up to an anticipated construction start date in 2025. The first such event will be an open house for the Draconis Energy Interconnection Project to be held on August 29th at the Chino Valley Community Center. Representatives will be there to provide information and answer any questions you may have.
Find out more about the Interconnection Project and community engagement event details here.
The permitting process for the solar and battery storage facility is expected to start in late 2024. In advance, we will hold a separate community open house where our team will give details on the solar and storage components, provide opportunities for public input, and answer questions.
bp’s ambition is to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner, and to help the world get to net zero. bp has a larger economic footprint in the United States than anywhere else in the world, investing more than $145 billion since 2005 and supporting more than 275,000 jobs across the country. For more information on bp in the US, visit www.bp.com/us.
bp is the owner of the project and our 50:50 joint venture partner, Lightsource bp will develop the project. Lightsource bp is a global leader in the development and management of solar energy and energy storage with a successful 14-year track record.