BrightNight breaks ground on Pioneer Clean Energy Center
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Project partners and community leaders gathered in Yuma to celebrate the groundbreaking of the BrightNight Power Pioneer Clean Energy Center, marking a major step forward for renewable energy development in the region.
During the ceremony, officials highlighted the impact the 300-megawatt solar facility is expected to have on the community. Once operationa., the project will generate enough clean electricity to power approximately 77,299 local homes and businesses while significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
BrightNight Founder and CEO Martin Hermann said the company carefully evaluates grid needs before selecting project sites. He noted that Yuma stood out early in the planning process.
“We study, always, at the very beginning how electrons are flowing and how that will change moving forward, and we identified in 2020 this is a location that not just needs energy, but also capacity to keep the power grid resilient,” Hermann said. “This facility helps do that.”
In addition to strengthening grid reliability, the energy center is expected to provide substantial economic benefits. Erik Ellis, BrightNight’s Executive Vice President of Development, said studies done by Elliot D. Pollack & Company estimates the project will contribute $25 million directly to Yuma County. Those funds are expected to support first responders, schools, and other county services and programs.
Ellis also emphasized the environmental advantages of the project’s location. The solar facility is being developed on previously disturbed farmland that once produced alfalfa. By transitioning the land from agriculture to solar energy production, the project is expected to conserve significant amounts of water.
“We’re able to save a tremendous amount of water by harvesting a solar crop instead of an agricultural crop,” Ellis said.
Commercial operations at the BrightNight Power Pioneer Clean Energy Center are expected to begin in April 2027.
