The Planning and Zoning Commission of Kuna City convened on April 8, 2025, to discuss a significant proposal regarding the removal of certain parcels from the city’s area of city impact (ACI) to facilitate a new solar and battery storage project. The project, proposed by DESRI, aims to develop a 150-megawatt solar facility along with an equal capacity in battery storage, located approximately seven miles east of Kuna at the intersection of Cunamora Road and South Pleasant Valley Road.

During the meeting, representatives from DESRI outlined their extensive experience in renewable energy development, highlighting their portfolio of 11 gigawatts of wind, solar, and battery projects across the United States. The proposed solar project will occupy 1,500 acres, with 1,000 acres leased from the Idaho Department of Corrections. The company is seeking to remove these parcels from Kuna's ACI, as they are not intended for future annexation into city limits.

The project is expected to create around 150 construction jobs and three permanent positions once operational, with construction slated to begin in mid-2027 and the facility expected to be operational by the end of 2028. The solar facility will connect to an adjacent Idaho Power substation, minimizing the need for new transmission infrastructure. Additionally, the project promises limited water use and aims to enhance local property tax revenues, as the current state-owned land does not contribute to city or county taxes.

Commission members raised concerns regarding the sourcing of materials for solar panels and the sustainability of solar energy compared to other resources. However, DESRI representatives assured the commission of their preparedness to address supply chain challenges and emphasized the project's long lifecycle, which includes provisions for timely maintenance and replacement of malfunctioning panels.

The commission noted that since the land in question is state-owned, the city of Kuna would not lose any potential tax revenue by removing these parcels from the ACI. The discussion concluded with a general consensus that the project could meet the growing energy demands of the region while utilizing land that is currently underused.

No public testimony was offered during the meeting, and the commission is expected to deliberate further on the proposal in upcoming sessions. The outcome of this discussion could significantly impact the future of renewable energy development in the Kuna area.