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The Pinal County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of a 40-acre battery energy storage facility near Maricopa on November 20, 2025. The Cactus Wren Energy Storage project would store up to 800 megawatts of electricity for four hours.

Key Points
800 MW battery storage project wins Planning Commission approval.
$750 million project spans 40 acres near Maricopa.
Site sits near major regional electrical substations.
Fire safety was a significant topic of discussion.
Applicant projected $10 million in county tax revenue.
Commissioners questioned revenue due to battery exemptions under Arizona law.
Battery can store energy for four hours and support peak demand.
Facility uses no permanent water service and saves 200 acre-feet annually per applicant.
Traffic impact minimal with no on-site employees.
Staff received 17 letters of support (per oral presentation) and one opposition letter.
Commissioner Mooney cast the sole opposing vote.
Project now moves to the Board of Supervisors.