Deriva Energy Announces Commercial Operation at Pike Solar in Colorado

Pike Solar is the first solar plant to start commercial operation under the new Deriva banner. It will provide energy to Colorado Springs Utilities through a 17-year power purchase agreement.

"We are grateful for the support of the local community, state stakeholders, and our dedicated team for bringing this solar plant to completion," said Chris Fallon, President of Deriva Energy. "This is a critical step closer to achieving Colorado Springs Utilities' sustainable energy goals and look forward to powering homes and businesses with new, clean electricity."

At 175 megawatts of capacity, the plant will generate enough electricity annually to serve the energy needs of roughly 46,300 homes.

"Now the largest solar array on our system, Pike Solar represents a significant step toward our goal of an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030," said Springs Utilities Chief Executive Officer Travas Deal. "While this is a major development, our work is just beginning. Pike Solar joins many other projects and initiatives in our Sustainable Energy Plan to provide our community with a cleaner energy future and a resilient and sustainable electric grid."

JUWI completed the development, engineering and construction of the project and will provide operation and maintenance services for Pike Solar; the project is located on 1,310 rural acres south of the city of Colorado Springs. The project employed approximately 350 workers at peak construction. Deriva Energy will own the plant and share operations and maintenance responsibilities with JUWI.

"The safe and on-time completion of Pike Solar results from strong collaboration among project participants, including the teams from Deriva Energy, Colorado Springs Utilities, El Paso County, City of Fountain, and all our reliable and hardworking subcontractors," said Michael Martin, CEO of JUWI Inc. "The JUWI team worked tirelessly to complete this project under complex logistical and weather-challenged events." 

With the addition of Pike Solar, Deriva Energy will own and operate 248 MW in Colorado.