BrightNight and Cordelio Announce Financial Close for Hybrid Renewable Project in Arizona

BrightNight and Cordelio Power Reach Financial Close for Pioneer Clean Energy Center

BrightNight, a prominent player in next-generation power and digital infrastructure, along with its partner Cordelio Power, has reached a significant milestone by achieving financial closure on the Pioneer Clean Energy Center. This ambitious initiative involves a solar plant generating 300 MWac coupled with a powerful 300 MW / 1,200 MWh battery energy storage facility, strategically located in Yuma, Arizona. The project aims to meet the energy demands of the local utility through a long-term tolling agreement, thereby ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of energy to the region.

Chief Executive Officer of BrightNight, Martin Hermann, expressed enthusiasm regarding the project, stating, "Pioneer reflects BrightNight's long-term commitment to supporting Arizona's growing energy needs. We aim to be a trusted partner in this region by delivering reliable and flexible clean power that adds significant value to our customers and the communities they serve."

In alignment with this vision, Chris Hind, CEO of Cordelio Power, remarked on the importance of this project milestone, extending gratitude towards the local community and partners for their unwavering dedication. The financial backing for Pioneer was secured through a consortium of esteemed lenders, including Crédit Agricole, MUFG, Royal Bank of Canada, National Bank of Canada, CoBank, and ING. This indicates strong market confidence in both BrightNight and Cordelio Power as they navigate the complexities of hybrid energy projects that fuse utility-scale power generation with cutting-edge battery storage systems.

The Pioneer Clean Energy Center is designed to deliver clean, dependable energy capacity tailored to meet the escalating energy requirements of households and businesses in the region. As Arizona’s energy landscape continues to evolve, the project is positioned to enhance grid reliability and flexibility. Additionally, BrightNight’s sophisticated AI-based platform, PowerAlpha®, played a vital role in optimizing the project’s design, ensuring efficiency and performance in its envisioned operations.

Construction on-site is progressing swiftly, with full operations targeted for April 2027. This initiative not only marks a critical advancement in renewable energy infrastructure but also highlights BrightNight's enduring commitment to innovation and sustainability within the rapidly growing energy market in the United States.

About BrightNight

BrightNight is a cutting-edge power and digital infrastructure firm, explicitly designed to address the dynamic requirements of utilities, data centers, and commercial and industrial clients. The company specializes in the design, development, and operation of expansive energy projects that merge utility-scale renewables with advanced gas generation and battery storage solutions. With an impressive portfolio of 35 GW of best-in-class power projects concentrated in the fastest-growing energy markets across the U.S., BrightNight leverages its proprietary AI platform, PowerAlpha®, to achieve leading economics, performance, and uptime.

For more information, visit BrightNight.

About Cordelio Power

Cordelio Power operates as an independent power producer, involved in the development, construction, and operation of wind, solar, and energy storage facilities. With a sizable operating portfolio of 1,860 MW across North America and an impressive development pipeline exceeding 18,000 MW, Cordelio works diligently to engage stakeholders in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner. The company is wholly owned by the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.

This undertaking represents a pivotal development in Arizona's renewable energy journey, showcasing collaboration between industry leaders dedicated to a sustainable energy future.