The Pinal County Board of Supervisors has approved a major land use change that paves the way for Project Bella, a $1.3 billion natural gas-fired power generation facility south of Casa Grande. The project, which passed with a 4-1 vote, will feature a 480-megawatt gas-fired power plant coupled with a 440-megawatt battery storage system. Unlike traditional power plants that run continuously, Project Bella is designed as a “peaker plant” that operates only when solar generation cannot meet demand, typically during evening hours or peak usage periods. This complementary approach helps maintain grid reliability.
The proposed 350-acre site is located 1.5 miles south of Casa Grande, north of Interstate 8. The developers, Seguro Energy Partners, selected the location due to existing infrastructure, including a 500kV transmission line and El Paso natural gas pipeline that cross the property. The actual facility will occupy approximately 158 acres of the site.
The site is situated in an area slated for significant development. To the east, the proposed Casa Grande Carmel Solar Park is being developed with plans to generate enough power to serve the equivalent of 16,700 Arizona homes, representing the region’s growing commitment to renewable energy. Also in development nearby is Attesa, an ambitious 2,350-acre project that will include a private airstrip, motorsports facilities, and mixed-use development. The first phase, the Podium Club racing circuit, opened in December 2021. These neighboring projects highlight both the area’s anticipated energy demands and its planned transition from rural agricultural land to more diverse commercial and industrial uses.
Project supporters emphasized several benefits during the presentation. The plant’s developers highlighted its land efficiency, requiring only one-tenth of the space needed for equivalent solar generation. They also noted that the facility would use less water than the current agricultural operations on the site, with usage capped at 420 acre-feet per year compared to the current 463 acre-feet. The project is expected to create hundreds of construction jobs and 14 permanent positions with high-wage technical roles.
However, local residents raised significant concerns during the public hearing. Primary issues included fire safety coverage, potential noise pollution, and impacts on the rural lifestyle. While developers noted that sound levels would only increase by 2 decibels over existing Interstate 8 noise, residents pointed out that unlike intermittent highway noise, power plant operations create a constant background hum.
To address these concerns, Seguro Energy Partners outlined several mitigation strategies. The company committed to establishing fire service coverage before beginning construction and pledged $1.35 million for fire equipment and a 20-acre parcel for a new fire station to serve the broader community. Regarding noise concerns, while initial sound modeling shows compliance with county ordinances, developers committed to conducting actual sound measurements within 120 days of operation and installing additional sound mitigation measures if needed to stay within required limits. The project is expected to generate approximately $167 million in tax revenue over its lifetime, averaging $6.7 million annually for local taxing entities.
Looking ahead, Project Bella must still complete several steps before construction can begin. The development team will need to secure zoning approvals and complete detailed site planning with the county. If approved, construction could begin in 2026, with the facility becoming operational between 2027 and 2028. The project has already received its air permit from Pinal County Air Quality Control District and environmental compatibility certification from the Arizona Corporation Commission.
