Z2024012 PZ Handout Memo

DATE:  
March 6, 2025 
 
TO: 
 Planning & Zoning Commission   
 
From: 
 Joel Landis, Planner  
 
SUBJECT: 
 Z2024012 – Saguaro BESS  
 
 Agenda Item: 2 
 
 
 
Since the publication of the staff report for the referenced case, staff received a letter from Sandra 
Watson, President & CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority in support of the Saguaro BESS 
case.   
 
 
Attachment: 
 
Letter of Support (1 page)

March 5, 2025 
 
To Whom It May Concern, 
 
I am writing to express my support for Aypa Power’s battery energy storage project (Saguaro BESS) in 
Maricopa County. With a rapidly growing energy storage industry and unbeatable business environment, 
Arizona is well positioned to support this project’s long-term success. 
 
Arizona’s robust battery ecosystem has attracted leaders across manufacturing, recycling, suppliers, mineral 
development and more to include LG Energy Solution, American Battery Factory, Sion Power, and Li-Cycle. In 
addition, Arizona is at the forefront of clean energy development with over $10 billion in private industry 
investment announcements since 2023. The state is home to a diverse ecosystem of clean energy leaders - 
from battery manufacturers and to hydrogen producers, solar manufacturers and more. The state also is 
home to one of the nation’s largest power producers of any kind - the Palo Verde Generating Station. 
 
Aypa Power will benefit from Arizona’s relative lack of natural disasters, reliable and affordable energy grid, 
dependable water resources, and modern transportation infrastructure. I am confident Aypa Power will find 
Arizona an excellent location for its new $200 million battery energy storage facility, which will provide energy 
capacity to help fuel Arizona’s growing economy.  
 
Thank you for considering Arizona for this exciting project. Our team stands ready to support at every step to 
ensure Arizona remains the location of choice. 
 
Sincerely, 
 
 
 
Sandra Watson 
President & CEO 
Arizona Commerce Authority