Solar plant producer Lightsource bp has secured its initial $285 million in financing for its Pueblo, Colorado, Bighorn Solar project, which will ultimately power Evraz Rocky Mountain Steel. 

Construction is slated to begin soon, now that the financing package is secure, Lightsource says in a release. The power generated by Bighorn solar will be sold by Xcel Energy directly to Evraz, Kallanish notes.

“This collaborative project will not only bring more jobs to Pueblo, but also supports Colorado’s goal of reaching 100% renewable energy by 2040. The Evraz steel mill is a staple of Pueblo’s incredible history and will now also serve as a pillar of our state’s clean energy future,” says Colorado Governor Jared Polis in Lightsource’s statement. 

The facility will begin commercial operation late next year. 

“We congratulate Lightsource bp on reaching this important milestone and are excited to see construction begin on the Bighorn solar project that will supply clean energy to Evraz Pueblo,” says Evraz North American ceo Skip Herald. “Evraz Pueblo will be the first steel mill in North America to rely on solar power as we proudly use renewable energy to turn recycled scrap metal into new, clean steel, including the most sustainable rail in the world.”