ED3’s newest renewable energy resource, Apache Solar II, officially entered commercial operation on December 5th, 2025. The project marks a significant milestone in the district’s renewable energy portfolio which added 38 MW of solar capacity. The project helped achieve ED3’s goal of 100 MW of new renewable resources by its 100th anniversary in January 2026. The new resource also includes 38 MW of battery energy storage (4-hour) for ED3 and began commercial operations after months of construction, testing, and commissioning.
The facility is located in Cochise County on land owned by Arizona Electric Power Cooperative (AEPCO) and is now delivering cost-effective, emission-free electricity directly to the grid, and is being delivered to ED3’s system. Built using high-efficiency photovoltaic technology, the project provides both renewable energy and capacity because of the solar and battery being co-located.
Reaching commercial operation confirms that all contractual, technical, and interconnection requirements have been met. The plant will now operate under its 20-year long-term power purchase agreement. The project was originally scheduled to go into commercial operations in December 2025 after ED3 selected participating in the project in 2023.
ED3 recognizes the collaboration between AEPCO and other electrical cooperatives and public power utilities as a key factor in developing the project. Other not-for-profit utilities in Arizona are also benefiting from the project which has a total nameplate capacity of 235 MW of solar and 940 megawatt hours of battery energy storage (235 MW of 4-hour battery). ED3’s portion of the project is just over 16%.
The successful launch of Apache Solar II represents another step toward expanding energy resources in a growing state, enhancing grid reliability, and supporting long-term energy goals. The Apache Solar II project and Box Canyon Solar (commercial operations in June 2025) helped ED3 meet its goal of 100 MW of new renewable energy resources just in time for ED3’s 100th anniversary in January 2026.
