Project Sterling is a large-scale hybrid project combining 509 MWp/ 450 MWac of solar PV with 360 MW / 1.4 GWh of battery energy storage capacity (4 hours duration), with an expected annual energy output of more than 1 TWh, comparable to the residential electricity demand of a mid-sized U.S. city of 100,000 to 120,000 residents. Construction is already underway with commercial operation start expected in 2028. Once operational, it will be ContourGlobal’s largest renewable asset to date.

509
509
MWp
of solar PV capacity
360
360
MW
of storage capacity
1
1
TWh+/year
expected annual energy output

Gateway to CAISO Market

Located in Arizona and physically connected to the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) grid, Project Sterling holds firm point-to-point transmission rights to access California’s CAISO, strengthening regional grid reliability. 

 

CAISO is one of the largest and most advanced power markets in North America, with an annual electricity demand of approximately 200 TWh and a peak load of 52,061 MW (in 2022).

 

Exploiting the benefits of the Western states power interconnection the project highlights Arizona’s role in contributing to a more resilient power grid across the region.  Facilitating regional transfers, the project reduces the overall risk of supply shortages, benefiting Arizona alongside neighboring states. 

1 TWh+/year PPA with Tesla

Project Sterling is covered by a 1TWh+/year long-term power agreement with Tesla, representing around 90% of the project’s as‑generated annual output.

Since acquiring the project at the development stage, ContourGlobal’s in-house teams have reshaped its design specifically to meet the offtaker’s requirements.

This deal shows ContourGlobal’s ability to deliver tailor-made solutions to satisfy the most energy-intensive customers’ needs.

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Strategic value and sustainability

The Sterling Project is a core pillar of ContourGlobal’s commitment to lead a responsible energy transition, directly supporting our goal to reach Net Zero by 2040. By integrating advanced BESS technology, the facility significantly enhances grid resilience, ensuring a stable supply of carbon-free electricity even during non-solar hours.

 

Furthermore, facilitating regional transfers, the project reduces the overall risk of supply shortages, benefiting Arizona alongside neighboring states.

 

Finally, during construction phase, the project will generate opportunities for local workforce, local services and site logistics creating direct shared value for the local community as well.

Photogallery

Timeline

  • December 2024
    December 2024
    Acquisition of the project in development stage.
  • June 2025
    June 2025
    Start of off-site physical work , including procurement of major equipment.
  • July 2026
    July 2026
    Start of construction of the road that will give access to the future power plant, Polaris Road.
  • September 2026
    September 2026
    Start of construction.
  • 2027
    2027
    First energization planned to commence in the third quarter of 2027.
  • 2028
    2028
    Commercial operation (COD) is targeted for Q1-2028.

General Manager USA

Javier Alvarez Canedo

Javier Alvarez Canedo brings c. 25 years of experience in investment banking, corporate development and corporate finance across international markets.

 

He joined ContourGlobal in 2024 as SVP of M&A Americas, leading the company’s investment and transaction activities across the US and Latam. In 2026, he was appointed General Manager USA, with full responsibility for operations and performance across the company’s thermal and renewable portfolio, as well as for driving the strategic expansion of its renewable and battery storage platform.

 

Prior to joining ContourGlobal, Javier held senior roles at EDP Renewables, BBVA, Cargill and Lehman Brothers / Barclays Capital. In these roles, he led complex cross-border transactions across the United States, Europe and Latin America, executing numerous acquisitions and divestments in different industries and countries, including multiple investments in wind, solar and storage projects and portfolios in the Americas with a combined size of more than 6 GW.

FAQ
What is a utility-scale solar power plant and how does it work?

A utility-scale solar plant converts sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) modules and delivers power to the grid through inverters and substations. These projects are designed to supply clean energy at a scale that supports cities, industry, and large commercial demand. 

What is a battery energy storage system (BESS)

A BESS stores electricity so it can be delivered later, making solar power more flexible. Pairing solar with batteries helps shift renewable energy into evening hours, reduce curtailment, support grid stability, and improve the overall value of clean generation. 

What is a hybrid Solar PV + BESS plant?

A hybrid solar PV + BESS plant is a renewable power facility that combines solar generation and battery storage to deliver flexible, reliable, and higher‑value electricity to the grid or end users. 

What does “4-hour battery storage” mean?

“4-hour” storage refers to a battery system designed to discharge at its rated power for roughly four hours. This duration is commonly used to meet peak demand, stabilize grids with high renewable penetration, and provide predictable dispatch during critical hours.

How do solar and storage projects support grid resilience?

By combining clean generation with fast-responding storage, hybrid projects can provide more dependable delivery during non-solar hours and help manage rapid demand changes. This improves reliability in regions experiencing load growth and electrification. 

What is Project Sterling?

Project Sterling is a large‑scale hybrid solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage project located in Mohave County, Arizona. It combines approximately 509 MWp/ 450 MWac of solar generation with 360 MW of battery storage and is designed to deliver more than 1 TWh of electricity per year. The project has completed all discretionary approvals and is scheduled to begin on‑site construction in 2026, with commercial operations planned for 2028. 

Why does Project Sterling matter for Arizona?

Sterling supports Arizona’s role within the Western Interconnection by delivering clean, reliable power through existing grid and market structures. Physically interconnected to the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) system and delivering energy into CAISO, the project strengthens regional grid reliability while relying on private capital and a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) rather than regulated retail tariffs. The PPA secured for this facility is with a tier‑one global industrial off taker and among the world’s largest corporate buyers of long‑term renewable electricity contracts, and it will be one of the largest, if not the largest, solar-plus-battery storage corporate PPA ever signed from a single plant in U.S. renewable energy history.

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