The Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority, an Arizona public power utility, in late September held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Olas S-thoñ solar site.
This site will be located near the Lone Butte Substation.
The name “Olas S-thoñ” comes from the O’odham language – Olas meaning “round” or “circular” and S-thoñ meaning “hot” or “climatic”.
This project marks the first utility scale solar development within the Gila River Indian Community – a historic milestone in advancing clean energy and sustainability for future generations, the utility noted.
GRICUA acknowledged Clenera for the initial development of the project, as well as White Clay Industries, a Native-owned business, and their partner US Solar, which will construct the facility.
The project is expected to take approximately 18 to 24 months to complete.
