Puget Sound Energy in Bellevue, Wash., announced it has broken ground on its Battle Butte Solar Project, a 130 MW solar facility near Rapelje, MT.
Officials said the project will significantly contribute to the company’s clean energy goals. The project is expected to generate enough energy to power 20,000 homes each year. Located near PSE’s existing Beaver Creek wind facility in Stillwater County, MT, the facility is positioned to leverage existing transmission infrastructure.
“Battle Butte solar represents a critical component of our clean energy strategy,” Craig Pospisil, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer for PSE, said. “This project will give us the opportunity to build upon the positive relationships we’ve forged with our neighbors in Stillwater County through the development of the Beaver Creek Wind facility and it positions PSE to meet our customers’ growing clean energy needs.”
Since the 1970s, PSE has been a partner in Montana’s energy economy. The Battle Butte Solar Project is expected to generate positive economic impacts to the local community through construction and operational phases, while supporting regional economic development by putting more power on the grid. PSE anticipates the construction will require nearly 250 skilled workers, and a small number of permanent on-site staff for continuing operational support.
“We look forward to Battle Butte bringing construction jobs, tax revenue and new economic activity to Stillwater County while adding another important piece to Montana’s all-of-the-above energy portfolio,” Roger Webb, Stillwater County Commissioner, said. “Throughout the process of developing both Beaver Creek and Battle Butte, PSE has shown a commitment to working with our county and investing in Montana while being a good neighbor – we look forward to the ongoing partnership.”
Construction on the project is expected to start this fall and be completed in mid-2028.
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