Catclaw Solar and Storage Project Begins Construction in Arizona
Slice of Construction Team
06/16/2025
Key highlights
- 205 MWac solar + 1,000 MWh storage facility underway in Buckeye, Arizona
- DESRI's first project with Arizona Public Service (APS), with a 20-year PPA
- Expected to power ~40,000 Arizona homes annually by 2026
- Financing led by BNP Paribas and NORD/LB, with participation from several global banks
- Tesla to supply battery storage; RES and EPC Services Company handling construction
Notable Quotes
“ The DESRI team is thrilled that Catclaw has begun construction and will commence operations in 2026. ”
Bob Schoenherr, Chief Strategy Officer at DESRI
“ Catclaw will help power Arizona's growing energy needs with clean, reliable electricity—especially during times of peak demand. ”
Cliff Graham, CEO at Avantus
“ The Catclaw Solar and Storage project will provide our customers with the benefits of reliable, cost-competitive electricity sourced directly from clean energy technologies. ”
Derek Seaman, Director of Resource Acquisition at APS
“ Buckeye's collaboration with the DESRI team was unprecedented. ”
Eric Orsborn, Mayor at City of Buckeye
Why This Matters
The launch of the Catclaw Solar and Storage Project marks a major milestone in Arizona’s transition to clean energy. As the state experiences surging demand for new capacity and reliability, Catclaw will provide a critical blend of solar generation and battery storage, enabling flexible delivery during peak periods. With a 20-year PPA with APS, the project demonstrates a strong model for public-private partnerships in sustainable infrastructure. Furthermore, the project contributes to local job creation and grid resilience, setting a precedent for future large-scale renewable deployments across the West Valley and beyond.
