Bighorn solar

300MW powering the world’s first steel mill to run almost entirely on solar

One of Colorado’s largest solar projects, Bighorn Solar in the city of Pueblo entered commercial operation in December 2021. Lightsource bp developed, financed, and will continue to own and operate the 300 megawatt utility-scale solar project. Electricity generated from Bighorn Solar is delivered into the grid and purchased by Xcel Energy under a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Lightsource bp. Xcel Energy is a major U.S. regulated electric and natural gas delivery company that serves approximately 3.7 million electricity and 2.1 million natural gas customers across parts of eight Midwestern and Western states.

Xcel Energy delivers electricity from Bighorn Solar to the EVRAZ North America Rocky Mountain Steel mill in Pueblo, one of the city’s largest employers. With its 20-year, fixed rate PPA structure, Bighorn Solar provides low-cost, stable electricity prices that the steel mill needed to stay in Pueblo and invest in its future there, supporting more than 1,000 jobs in the local community.

Bighorn Solar supports the broader Colorado Energy Plan, which will deliver 55% renewable energy to the grid by 2026 and reduce carbon emissions by 60%, as well as Xcel Energy’s bold vision to deliver 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050.

Xcel Energy and Lightsource bp are incredibly proud of this solar project, and the opportunities it offers the organizations and the local communities.

“If you were wondering what a renewable energy future would look like, this is a great example.”  – Colorado Governor Jared Polis, speaking at the announcement press conference