Valley Range Energy Park
Responsibly Delivering Significant Investment and Long-Term Benefits To Montezuma County.
About Valley Range Energy Park
Valley Range Energy Park is a 125MW Solar Energy Generation Facility collocated with a 62.5MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) being developed and planned in the unincorporated area Montezuma County outside the City of Cortez. Valley Range Energy Park is a resilient, clean and cost-effective solution to an increasing demand for reliable domestic energy. Valley Range Energy Park has the potential to deliver significant investment in Montezuma County and provide long-term benefits, including new local jobs, increased tax revenue to support essential services, community benefits, and enhanced energy reliability, creating a lasting positive impact for future generations.
Current Project Phase
Construction is anticipated to begin as early as 2027, with a commercial operations date planned for December 2028. Valley Range Energy Park is currently moving through the permitting and compliance phase with various stakeholders including in Montezuma County. During this time period, the project team is completing comprehensive onsite diligence, discussing project details with the community and government officials and applying for all necessary entitlements. Valley Range Energy Park is committed to keeping the community updated as the project advances.
FAQs
The location of the proposed Valley Range Energy Park was thoughtfully selected to minimize visual impacts. For most residents and visitors, the project will be shielded from U.S. Highway 160 by a natural ridgeline. Any neighboring properties will be visually shielded from the project by a combination of setbacks, natural features and native vegetation to maintain existing viewsheds. As part of the design process, the Project is completing a series of visual simulations to further inform the site layout and visual mitigation plans, including simulations from various locations within Mesa Verde National Park.
Concerns about the impact to property values resulting from neighboring development are understandable, but research on impacts resulting from solar development tells a reassuring story. There are currently more than 37 solar farms in 14 counties across Colorado. Based on recent interviews with the County Assessors in these locations, it was determined without exception that there was no market data supporting a negative impact upon residential property values as a result of their proximity to a solar farm facility. Throughout the state, there have been no reductions in assessed valuations related to photovoltaic panels.
Solar and battery projects like the proposed Valley Range Energy Park do not increase sound levels on neighboring properties. To ensure this result, sophisticated acoustics modeling has been completed to inform the site layout. Some temporary construction noise is expected but will only occur during daytime hours and will follow local noise rules.
Solar and battery projects like the proposed Valley Range Energy Park do not cause light pollution or otherwise impact dark skies. In fact, solar energy projects improve visibility and air quality by reducing the need for fossil fuel generators.
A limited amount of security lighting around the substation will be shielded, directed downward and only used during a very limited amount of maintenance activities. The light emitted from solar projects is less than the light emitted from a common household.
The proposed project is designed to coexist with the area’s tourism economy, which are both aligned on sustainable preservation of our natural resources. The proposed project is located behind a natural ridgeline near the county fairgrounds, shielding it from visitors traveling along U.S. Highway 160. To inform any visual mitigation necessary from the overlooks within Mesa Verde National Park, the Project is completing a series of visual simulations from within the park. By boosting local revenues, increasing air quality and supporting infrastructure, Valley Range Energy Park may even indirectly enhance the visitor experience in Montezuma County.
Solar and battery projects like the proposed Valley Range Energy Park will assist in lowering the cost of energy for local families and businesses, create and support local jobs, generate new tax revenue for schools and essential services, and support local nonprofits through a community giving program. Below is a summary of what responsible projects like Valley Range Energy Park can offer:
Estimated savings of over $12 million in annual load payments to energy consumers
Over $13 million in new tax revenue
Support over 157 local jobs and generate $11 million in new local earnings
Provide $30,000 in annual scholarships, preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow
Valley Range Energy Park is an investment that lasts for generations to come. To learn more about project benefits, visit the Benefits page.
The buyer of the power generated from the Project has not been confirmed. However, the location where the power will enter the grid has been confirmed. The project is interconnecting into a substation shared by both local and regional utility companies. The project location was chosen to ensure it benefits local families and businesses - regardless of the actual power trade on the market.
Decommissioning will be initiated if the entire Project has not operated for a period of up to three years, or when the Project has surpassed its useful lifespan. To ensure this commitment, the Project will obtain, for the benefit of Montezuma County, a bond from a creditworthy entity in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the estimated net costs to comply with applicable decommissioning and restoration requirements.
Responsible Development
Valley Range Energy Park prioritizes sustainable development through robust community engagement that addresses cultural, environmental, and social concerns, providing avenues for meaningful involvement in project planning and execution. This includes respecting ancestral lands and working in partnership with local organizations to ensure the project aligns with their priorities.
Community Focused
Valley Range Energy Park is committed to being a good neighbor through local engagement, transparent conversations, and giving back. The project directly supports the deployment of reliable, clean and affordable domestic energy while also generating growth and economic benefits for the local community. Feedback from the community shapes the project at every phase. Valley Range Energy Park looks forward to helping to create a more vibrant Montezuma County!
We would love to hear from you! Send us a message or provide your feedback.
Project Benefits
Valley Range Energy Park will provide multiple benefits to the local community including economic benefits, community programs, energy benefits and environmental benefits. Please visit our Benefits page to find out more.
About the Developer
Valley Range Energy Park is being developed by Accelergen Energy, a privately held developer of utility-scale battery energy storage systems and hybrid solar storage systems.
We invite you to learn more about Accelergen Energy by downloading the company overview or by visiting the company website.
