DENVER (June 30, 2026) — Xcel Energy has started work on the High Plains Solar + Battery Energy Storage Project, a $685 million clean energy investment supporting Colorado’s clean energy transition and long-term resource needs. This project will use batteries to store solar energy and release it during high-demand periods; this helps keep customer costs down and supports the electric grid’s reliability in northeastern Colorado.
“This project shows how innovation is transforming Colorado’s energy future—delivering clean, reliable power at an affordable cost,” said Robert Kenney, president of Xcel Energy—Colorado. “By pairing large‑scale solar with battery storage, and working closely with Morgan County leaders, we’re bringing modern energy solutions online that strengthen the grid and create lasting value for our communities.”
The project includes a 250 megawatt (MW) Solar PV Facility and a 200 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). Once operational, it is expected to generate enough clean electricity to power 71,000 homes each year and reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 546,849 tons.
Construction started early April, in partnership with Mortenson Construction, with operations slated to begin in December 2027. Construction of the facility will support hundreds of jobs, with 20 long-term operations and maintenance positions once the project is complete.
“Partnering with Xcel Energy on the High Plains Solar + Battery Energy Storage Project underscores our shared commitment to building Colorado’s clean energy future,” said Gabe Stofferahn, vice president and general manager at Mortenson. “With deep roots in Colorado, our teams take pride in delivering projects that strengthen the grid, create jobs, and provide lasting value for communities across the state.”
The project will interconnect to Xcel Energy’s Canal Crossing Substation along Colorado’s Power Pathway, enabling reliable integration of renewable resources across the region. Additionally, the High Plains Solar + Battery Energy Storage Project will receive several federal clean energy tax incentives, such as a Full Production Tax Credit for the solar facility and Battery Storage Investment Tax Credits.
Battery Energy Storage Systems
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) store electricity generated across the power grid — including energy from wind, solar, nuclear and natural gas resources — and deliver it when electricity is needed most. By storing energy when it is plentiful and releasing it during periods of high demand, battery storage helps support a reliable and efficient electric system.
Colorado’s Clean Energy Plan
Colorado continues to be a national leader in the clean energy transition. Xcel Energy’s Colorado Clean Energy Plan will help to further reduce carbon emissions as the company proactively works to keep costs low for customers while providing safe, reliable and increasingly clean energy, with approximately 80% of customers’ electricity coming from renewable sources by the end of the decade.
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About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider, dedicated to serving millions of customers with excellence. We make energy work better for customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar — delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy. We are committed to leading the clean energy transition, meeting our customers’ need for more, cleaner power, while keeping bills as low as possible. Because the people we serve depend on us to power their lives. Headquartered in Minneapolis, we work every day to generate and distribute electricity and gas to customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico, and Texas. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on X and Facebook.
