PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The Babbitt Ranch Energy Center is officially open with 50 new wind turbines. These turbines will help power tens of thousands of homes in Arizona and expand the state’s renewable energy resources.
A renewable wind turbine facility has been on Babbitt Ranches’ Billy Cordasco’s mind for over two decades since he first learned about wind power through a partnership with Northern Arizona University in 2003.
“We were getting to learn about wind and the possibilities of renewable energy as well. It really opens up our imagination to what was possible.” Cordasco said.
So, it was a no-brainer when there was an opportunity to help extend the reach of SRP’s renewable energy.
“Renewable energy, it actually fits in more with the inclusive perspective at Babbitt Ranch like wildlife, recreation, raising of livestock,” Cordasco said.
The project is a partnership with the Salt River Project, Babbit Ranches, the Arizona State Land Department, and NextEra Energy Resources.
The new center will add 161 megawatts of renewable energy to SRP’s grid, producing enough energy to power nearly 40,000 homes and help power Google’s billion-dollar data center in Mesa.
“So being able to 24/7 opportunities for carbon-free energy actually expands the entire needs of a customer,” explained SRP spokesperson Angie Bond-Simpson.
SRP is aiming for net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and she says this facility is a big piece of that puzzle.
“We need a diverse array of renewable resources,” Bond-Simpson said. “So this wind compliments our solar portfolio really nicely and it’ll bring nighttime megawatts ours and carbon-free energy to that portfolio.”
The energy center will also benefit local communities by bringing Coconino County $9.5 million in additional tax revenue over its lifetime.
For Cordasco, it’s about the ranch having a purpose. “I don’t care what project Babbitt Ranch is a part of; it’s going to be about the people…”
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