Consortium proposes large solar power plant

PUEBLO (AP) - A consortium of companies is looking at land east of Pueblo for what could be one of the nation's largest solar-power projects.

Helios Energy Partners want to build a 200- to 300-megawatt solar plant. The $900 million proposal calls for a partnership among Pueblo County, Helios and the Pueblo Chemical Depot.

The solar arrays would be installed on land at the depot. The likely customer for the electricity would be Xcel Energy, which is taking bids to add more power from renewable energy sources.

A 200-megawatt plant could generate enough power for about 60,000 homes.

Pueblo County commissioners and the county attorney are review a proposed partnership with Helios.