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Weld County grants extension to Recurrent Energy for 1,500‑acre Prospect Solar USR map recording
Summary
The Board approved an extension to Feb. 20, 2027, allowing Recurrent Energy more time to complete engineering and studies tied to Tri‑State interconnection for the Prospect Solar 1,500‑acre solar-plus‑storage project (USR24-0013).
The Weld County Board of Commissioners on March 26 approved an extension for Recurrent Energy to record the map for Use by Special Review USR24-0013 (Prospect Solar LLC), extending the deadline to Feb. 20, 2027.
Diana Ong, planner with the Department of Planning Services, said the applicant asked for more time to finish detailed engineering and the studies required by the conditions of approval. USR24-0013 was approved in October 2024 for a proposed 1,500-acre solar energy facility that includes a 99 megawatt AC solar array, a 100 megawatt AC battery energy storage system and associated substation and a 230 kV transmission interconnection to a new Tri‑State switching station.
The applicant’s representative, who identified himself as Diogo of Recurrent Energy, said the principal constraint is grid interconnection timing. He told commissioners the Tri‑State schedule currently allows Recurrent to enter the grid in February 2030, so the developer cannot issue construction notice to proceed until closer to that date and therefore cannot finalize several required studies now. “The main driver for some of the studies that are pending is my ability to know to give notice to proceed on my construction. That timing is connected to Tri State,” Diogo said.
Commissioner Scott James expressed concern that the original 120-day timeframe was short and noted the extension requested covers roughly two additional years. Planning staff said the county’s code (Weld County Code §23.2.200(h)) permits the board to extend the recording deadline where conditions supporting the original approval cannot yet be met; staff recommended the extension. Planning also confirmed it will continue to track the properties and will not accept competing applications that conflict with the approved USR while the extension is in effect.
Commissioner James moved to approve the extension; Commissioner Kevin Ross seconded. The motion passed by voice vote.
The extension gives Recurrent Energy additional time to complete final drainage and traffic studies and other conditions of approval tied to the project’s construction schedule and Tri‑State interconnection.
