The Tucson Airport Authority, tasked with overseeing the land holdings of the Tucson International Airport, aimed to assess the renewable energy capacity of their properties. Simultaneously, they sought to effectively promote leasing opportunities for renewable energy projects. Their objectives included attracting prospective lessees, advancing clean energy production, and evaluating the renewable energy potential of their land assets.
Leasing Airport Land for Solar Energy: Outcomes
The Tucson Airport Authority listed a 1,036 acre property for lease for solar energy on LandGate’s marketplace in Q2 of 2023. The listing drew in multiple qualified offers, and a winning lessee was selected in January 2024. With the lease agreement secured, the lessee will begin developing the solar farm and energy storage facility on the property in 2025.
The Tucson Airport Authority will be generating income for lease payments paid out by the solar developer per acre each year for 25 years, which will yield a seven-figure increase in revenue for the TAA overall. Additionally, the solar project is expected to produce 100MW of energy for the area and about 50 MW of energy storage.
As of January 2024, nearly half of U.S. retail electricity sales are covered by mandatory renewable portfolio standards, with many states, localities, and public utilities expected to invest in renewables this year. In order to reach these goals, public land will need to be utilized for clean energy development.
How to Lease Government Land for Renewable Energy
Government agencies can lease land for renewable energy to help contribute to these goals and generate revenue. Government agencies interested in leasing their land for renewable energy can list their properties for lease for free on LandGate's open marketplace for exposure to a unique network of renewable energy developers and investors. LandGate's platform provides lease estimates for every U.S. parcel, helping public landowners analyze their properties for the best opportunities.
