News Summary
The Salt River Project has decided to convert the Coronado Generating Station from coal-fired to natural gas, following a unanimous board vote. Completion is anticipated by late 2029, providing over 820 MW of capacity to meet rising electricity demand in Arizona’s Valley region. While the project is expected to lower emissions and save costs compared to alternative solutions, concerns remain about its impact on local employment and the broader community’s economic stability.
Phoenix, Arizona – The Salt River Project (SRP) has announced plans to convert the Coronado Generating Station (CGS) from coal-fired to natural gas operations, following a unanimous vote by SRP’s Board of Directors. The conversion is expected to be completed by late 2029 and will provide over 820 megawatts (MW) of capacity through at least the mid-2040s. This decision is aligned with the expectation that peak electricity demand in Arizona’s Valley region will rise by 50% by 2035.
Previously, SRP had committed to ending coal-fired operations at CGS by 2032. The natural gas conversion is seen as a transitional measure, offering a potential pathway toward the installation of more advanced technologies in the future. The planned natural gas plant is expected to generate significantly lower emissions compared to the existing coal operations, with an estimated output of approximately 4 million metric tons of carbon emissions between 2030 and 2045.
The conversion project is expected to cost around $100 million, with an additional estimated annual maintenance cost of $100 million. Compared to alternative energy solutions, such as building a new natural gas facility or utilizing new long-duration lithium-ion batteries, the natural gas plan is projected to save customers $300 million and $1.2 billion, respectively.
The current coal operations at the facility employ about 150 staff members; however, the impact on employment following the conversion has not been fully assessed. Local economic officials have expressed concerns that shutting down the facility would have severe consequences on the region’s economy, where electric plants contribute to 70% of the local tax base.
Community and Economic Impacts
Supporters of the conversion, including Mayor Spence Udall, highlight its economic importance for the community. Local officials emphasize the significance of the facility in maintaining regional economic stability. The SRP plans to transition to natural gas while also exploring other energy sources, such as solar, biomass power, and small-scale nuclear reactors.
A snapshot of SRP’s current power generation mix in 2024 reveals that coal accounts for 16% and natural gas for 38%. The utility aims to reduce the contributions of both coal and natural gas to 30% or below by 2035, reflecting a commitment to more sustainable energy solutions.
Divided Opinions on Energy Strategy
Among community members, opinions regarding the conversion are mixed. Some advocate for more aggressive investments in renewable energy sources, pushing for a quicker transition away from fossil fuels. Environmental advocates, such as Sandy Bahr from the Sierra Club, have raised concerns over the reliance on natural gas and are calling for SRP to focus on increasing clean energy efforts.
The decision to convert the Coronado Generating Station to natural gas marks a significant shift in SRP’s energy strategy, balancing immediate energy needs against long-term environmental goals. As the capacity demands grow and the energy landscape evolves, SRP’s actions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the region’s energy portfolio.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Central
- Wikipedia: Natural Gas
- Coronado Times
- Google Search: Coronado energy transition
- San Diego Union Tribune
- Google Scholar: Coronado Generating Station
- Finimize
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Energy Transition
- AZ Central (April 2025)
- Google News: Coronado power station natural gas
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
