Adapture Renewables’ proposal for the Haynach Solar Hybrid Project—a 110 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) generation and 110 MW battery energy storage system (BESS)—is progressing through the permitting process with a recent submission for a waiver under Alamosa County’s 1041 regulations. If approved, the project stands to become a cornerstone of renewable energy and grid flexibility in southern Colorado’s San Luis Valley.
Spanning approximately 1,109 acres of leased rural land north of the San Luis Valley Substation and adjacent to the Hooper Solar Project, the Haynach facility is designed to generate an estimated 330,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of emissions-free electricity annually. It will also provide 440 MWh of energy storage capacity, supporting both peak demand and renewable integration across the region’s transmission infrastructure.
Adapture’s goal is to enhance regional energy reliability, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and improve the operational efficiency of renewable resources through storage. The hybrid design allows energy collected during the day to be stored and dispatched during peak evening hours—a critical function in modern grid management.
The project falls under Alamosa County’s HB1041 regulations, which require permits for major public utility facilities. On April 9, 2025, the County Commissioners reviewed Adapture’s request for standard waivers typically granted to solar developments. However, due to the inclusion of a large-scale BESS, the county staff recommended denying the waiver on noise impact assessments, requesting a full noise study in alignment with protocols for similar storage projects.
Additionally, concerns were raised about fire suppression resources, given the lithium-ion technology used in the BESS. Staff suggested integrating a cistern tied to an on-site well for emergency response—consistent with requirements for similar energy projects in the region.
The proposed development, which began early planning in 2024, is targeting commercial operations by 2030. Key development milestones include:
The facility is expected to provide economic benefits through long-term capital investment, job creation, and enhanced local tax revenues. Local contractors and businesses could see opportunities during the 14-month construction phase, while the operations and maintenance phase would support ongoing technical roles.
Adapture has committed to a comprehensive mitigation strategy. Construction and decommissioning activities will include erosion control, dust suppression, and environmental restoration. The BESS component will comply with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 855 and undergo UL 9540A testing to ensure fire safety. The final application will also include an Emergency Response Plan developed in coordination with the Mosca Hooper Fire Department.
Neighboring landowners within a one-mile radius were notified of the project and encouraged to attend the April 9 public hearing. The project’s transparency in stakeholder engagement reflects a broader effort to align renewable development with community interests and county oversight.
Pending final approvals, the Haynach Solar Hybrid Project could become a vital contributor to Colorado’s decarbonization goals, providing scalable, dispatchable clean energy with localized reliability benefits.
