The Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, a Colorado-based electric cooperative has finalized agreements for renewable energy projects aimed at fulfilling the energy requirements of its members. Operating as a non-profit wholesale power supplier, the cooperative has disclosed its acquisition of two solar power projects.
The projects were acquired from JUWI Group
Tri-State acquired the installations from JUWI Inc. a subsidiary of the JUWI Group, an international renewable energy company based in Germany. The purchased projects from the JUWI Group comprise the Axial Basin Solar project totaling 145 megawatts in Moffat County within the service territory of member White River Electric Association and the Dolores Canyon Solar power project totaling 110 megawatts situated in Dolores County within the service territory of member Empire Electric Association.
Both solar projects are slated to commence supplying power to Tri-State’s member systems by late 2025 coinciding with the anticipated achievement of 50% renewable energy usage by its members.
Tri-State’s CEO, Duane Highley said “Through Tri-State, our members now have ownership in solar at a competitive cost,”
“We greatly appreciate JUWI’s work with our team to complete this transaction for the purchase of these two solar projects.”
"We at JUWI are thrilled to collaborate with Tri-State on two of the initial 100+MW solar initiatives in Western Colorado," stated Steve Ihnot, CFO of JUWI Inc. "We anticipate carrying out these projects with a focus on shared values such as safety, quality, community engagement and delivering value to our customers."
JUWI's Legacy in Renewable Energy
The German-based JUWI Group has been engaged in power generation for approximately 30 years, specializing in the development, construction and operational management of renewable energy plants. The company has employed more than 1,300 people worldwide with subsidiaries in the United States, Europe, Asia and Africa. It has also installed over 1,250 wind energy facilities generating more than 3 GW of capacity. Additionally, JUWI has developed around 2,000 solar power plants collectively providing over 4 GW of generation capacity.
Other Tri-State’s Solar Expansion
Tri-State is expanding its resource portfolio by securing an additional three solar energy power purchase agreements, all of which are slated for completion by the end of the year. These agreements encompass two solar projects located in southern Colorado (100-MW Spanish Peaks and 40-MW Spanish Peaks II) and one in New Mexico (200-MW Escalante Solar).
By the end of 2025, Tri-State will provide its members with 680 MW of solar power across eight facilities enough to meet the needs of nearly 200,000 homes. Serving utility electric distribution cooperatives and public power district members in four states, Tri-State delivers electricity to over a million consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles in the Western United States.
This expansion underscores Tri-State's commitment to sustainable energy and its role in driving the transition towards a greener and more resilient power grid.