Supporting Pinal County’s growing energy needs with reliable, locally generated power.
Up to 500 MW | 159-Acre Site | Natural Gas Generation | Target Operation: 2030
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Epic Star Energy is developing the Horseshoe Natural Gas Project to help meet the growing power generation needs of Pinal County. The proposed facility will use advanced natural gas generation technology capable of quickly increasing or decreasing generation to respond to real-time energy demand.
Located in Hidden Valley on land historically used for agriculture, the project is strategically positioned near existing energy infrastructure, including five natural gas pipelines, existing and planned high-voltage transmission lines, and one of Arizona’s largest high-voltage substations.
SRP has requested easements for two new 500kv lines, El Paso Gas has requested an easement for another gas line and Phillips66 has requested an easement for a new fuel line. There is also an Interstate Highway planned to go through the southwest corner of the site.
PROJECT AT A GLANCE
Location
Hidden Valley, Pinal County, Arizona
Project Type
Energy Storage
Generation Capacity
Up to 500MW
Site
159 Acres
Development Stage
Community Engagement & Permitting
Construction
2028-2030
Target Commercial Operation
2030
PROJECT AT A GLANCE
See the Horseshoe Natural Gas Project Take Shape
Explore renderings of the proposed Horseshoe Natural Gas Project and see how the site is
planned to develop through each stage of construction.
PROJECT BENEFITS
Reliable Energy
Provides flexible generation capacity that can quickly respond to changing energy demand and help support Pinal County’s growing power needs.
Economic Impact
The project is estimated to generate approximately $208.2 million in property tax revenue over a projected 35-year operating life, nearly $6 million annually.
Jobs & Local Economy
Construction is estimated to support 407 full-time equivalent jobs, generate $36.3 million in labor income and produce approximately $104.1 million in economic output.
Efficient Land Use
Up to 500MW of natural gas generation can be produced on approximately 50 acres of the project site, compared with at least 2,500 acres for a 500MW solar project.
Energy Storage will be using roughly 80 acres for a 500MW project. The substation will serve both projects and connect to the Pinal West Substation located close by.
RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT
Epic Star Energy is committed to protecting the community and environment throughout the
development and operation of the Horseshoe Natural Gas Project.
Fire & Safety
Epic will coordinate with our experts from Fire Risk Alliance and local fire districts on state-of-the-art fire suppression systems, emergency access, and response plans to meet or exceed state and federal safety codes.
Water
Depending on the technology selected,the facility is expected to use 77% less water than the site’s existing agricultural use. Agricultural water rights will be converted to facility supply water, and wastewater will be contained in evaporation ponds rather than discharged to the aquifer.
Air
The project will utilize Best Available Control Technology (BACT) for advanced emission reduction. Air-quality modeling demonstrates compliance with health protective National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Noise
The facility will comply with applicable OSHA standards, the Pinal County Excessive Noise Ordinance and EPA guidelines. Facility design will also consider additional noise mitigation for nearby residences.
PROJECT TIMELINE
2024
Site Selection & Zoning Review
2025—2027
Community Engagement & Permitting
2028-2030
Construction — 24 Months
2030
Commercial Operations Begin