Platte River Power Authority Seeks Solar Supply, Encourages Storage Proposals

Colorado-based Platte River Power Authority recently issued a request for proposals (RFP) for up to 250 megawatts (MW) of new photovoltaic solar generating capacity that could begin producing energy by 2025.

Platte River encourages any proposed project to include a battery energy storage component. The RFP also enables bidders to propose installations that could interconnect anywhere on Platte River’s transmission system, including the distribution systems in the owner communities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland.

“As we continue to work toward achieving the resource diversification policy goal, our ongoing challenge will be to maintain Platte River’s core pillars to safely provide reliable, environmentally responsible and financially sustainable energy and services during a time of rapidly improving technology and resource costs,” said Jason Frisbie, general manager and CEO of Platte River.

The resource diversification policy was adopted by Platte River’s Board of Directors in 2018. The policy calls for leadership to pursue a 100% noncarbon energy mix by 2030, provided the organization’s core pillars are upheld.

In 2020, Platte River maintained 100% transmission system reliability and provided power to its owner communities at the lowest wholesale rates in Colorado.

With an additional 250 MW of solar generating capacity, Platte River estimates its overall annual energy production will be approximately 54% noncarbon.

Developers are encouraged to consider proposing projects that could interconnect with Platte River’s transmission system, including regions in northwest Colorado and the northern Front Range.

Particular consideration may also be granted to smaller projects (25 megawatts or less) that could connect to the distribution systems of one or all of Platte River’s owner communities.

Within each project proposed, developers are encouraged to include a battery energy storage component capable of providing 100% of the project’s nameplate capacity for at least four hours and be dispatchable by Platte River when needed.

Proposals are due Feb. 18, 2022, after which Platte River will develop a short list of potential projects that add up to approximately 250 megawatts and sign power purchase agreements later in the year.

The RFP is available here.