Illinois board approves massive Pride of the Prairie site | Projects Weekly
This week on Projects Weekly, Illinois’ Will County Board has approved Earthrise Energy’s plans for a solar plant nearly the size of Chicago O’Hare International Airport. DESRI and Tierra Adentro have broken ground on a new project in northern New Mexico, and HASI and Ørsted have PPAs in place for projects across three southern states. EDF Power Solutions is in the news this week with solar agreements spanning from New York to Los Angeles. In New Jersey, PowerLutions has completed a rooftop installation for AvalonBay, and BrightNight announced the financial close of its latest project in Kentucky. Enbridge powered on the first phase of its Sequoia Solar project in Texas, and closer to Dallas, Matrix Renewables and SOLV Energy broke ground on Tormes Solar. Finally, Avangrid and Microsoft have a deal in place for the upcoming Bluebird Solar project. Keep reading for all that and more!
DESRI, Tierra Adentro Growth Capital break ground on New Mexico project
Renewable energy firm DESRI and investment platform Tierra Adentro Growth Capital (TAGC) have announced the start of construction of two solar and storage projects in northern New Mexico.
The two co-located projects, both in San Juan County, account for about 270 MW of solar and 720 MWh of battery storage, the companies say. Dubbed Foxtail Flats and Four Mile Mesa, the two projects are worth 170 MW / 320 MWh and 100 MW / 400 MWh respectively.
“Breaking ground on Foxtail Flats and Four Mile Mesa marks another significant milestone for DESRI and for San Juan County,” says DESRI president Thomas de Swardt. “These projects build on the success of our adjacent San Juan Solar and Storage facility and reflect DESRI’s commitment to the region’s clean energy transition.”
Bright spot: Together, the two projects will employ about 600 construction personnel at their peak, according to Alok Sindher, managing partner at TAGC. He called the projects “a milestone” for the Land of Enchantment’s energy transition, as well as its general economic development.
The Los Alamos community has been awaiting these projects, according to Matt Heavner, vice chair of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos Board of Public Utilities, with a special excitement for Foxtail Flats. It’s exciting, he adds, to finally be able to put shovels into soil on the two massive undertakings.
“Foxtail Flats’ combination of solar plus storage means we can capture abundant New Mexico sunshine during the day,” he says, “and then use the batteries to deliver that energy in the evening, when people are home, lights are on, and the grid is under the most stress.”
PowerLutions completes rooftop solar installation in northern New Jersey
PowerLutions Solar has completed a multi-interconnection rooftop solar project at AvalonBay’s Boonton, New Jersey-based community, the company says.
Bright spot: Bringing about 747 kWdc of on-site solar power to the property, the project is set to generate about 821 MWh this year, PowerLutions says. That energy will be able to power 79 homes for a year, and can avoid about 300 metric tons of carbon emissions every year for its entire lifespan.
“With AvalonBay and RevEnergy, we delivered a complex 13-interconnection, 747-kW multi-rooftop system,” said Cy Yablonsky, VP of PowerLutions Solar. “Through detailed load mapping and staged commissioning, we completed a resident-first solar upgrade and helped avoid a costly transformer upgrade.”
With 13 interconnection points around the project, the team was able to make use of Talesun modules with Enphase microinverters across multiple roofs. Connected to Jersey Central Power & Light under the Garden State’s net metering framework, and is positioned well to participate in state solar incentive programs.
“AvalonBay’s sustainability platform combines smart development, efficient operations, and innovative strategies to reduce environmental impact across our growing portfolio,” says Gautami Palanki, VP of sustainability for AvalonBay Communities, Inc. “Our emissions targets, clean energy investments, and partnerships with companies like PowerLutions Solar reflect our commitment to delivering resilient, high-performing communities.”
BrightNight announces financial close for 120 MW project in Kentucky
Floridian utility-scale solar development firm BrightNight has closed its finances for Frontier, a new 120 MW solar project in Washington and Marion counties, Kentucky.
As the Bluegrass State currently places 33rd in the U.S. in SEIA’s state by state solar rankings, the project will be a major boon for the Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company (LG&E and KU). Frontier is currently advancing right on schedule, BrightNight says, with construction well underway and commercial operation expected by fall 2027.
“Frontier demonstrates the strong demand for BrightNight’s cost-effective power solutions for Kentucky and across the United States,” says BrightNight CEO Martin Hermann. “This milestone reflects not only the strength of this project, but also our ability to consistently bring complex projects from concept to fully financed reality.”
Bright spot: With its full project financing secured, BrightNight aims to keep advancing Frontier down its growing project pipeline. Next steps include construction mobilization and coordinated delivery across all aspects of solar EPC.
“It’s an exciting time in Kentucky where we’re experiencing unprecedented economic growth opportunities,” says John R. Crockett III, president for LG&E and KU, “creating more jobs and tax incentives for the communities we’re proud to serve, and powering that growth, we’re proud to operate one of the most reliable generation fleets in the nation.”
Enbridge reaches operational milestone on Sequoia Solar project
Western Canadian pipelining and energy company Enbridge has finished construction on Sequoia Solar Phase One, officials say, marking an operational milestone as the project is fully energized.
The project’s first phase will add 400 MW to the Texan grid, as it sits in Callahan County, about 175 miles away from Dallas. Gary Ebel, the company’s president and CEO, says the project’s latest milestone is a shining example of the company’s design and construction process.
“This milestone reflects what Enbridge does best: executing complex projects safely, predictably, and with purpose,” he says. “We’re continuing to deliver all-of-the-above energy solutions to help power North America.”
Bright spot: The 815 MW project will be one of the largest in North America once completed, Enbridge says. Additionally, the project will supply energy to AT&T, Toyota, and Pepsi among other customers once complete, aligning with the companies’ renewable energy and carbon emission-related goals.
Along with the Sequoia project milestone, Enbridge also announced a new solar and storage project to be built in Wyoming. Like the energy offtake from Sequoia, the company says the Wyoming site will be a direct feeder for one of Meta’s data centers.
“Sequoia Solar reflects what’s possible through close collaboration across teams and partners,” says Allen Capps, Enbridge’s SVP of corporate strategy and president of power. “Bringing the first phase into operation is an important milestone, delivering new power to customers and advancing one of North America’s largest solar projects.”
Earthrise gains approval for massive 600 MW project in Illinois
The Will County Board has approved Earthrise Energy’s application for a special use permit for Pride of the Prairie, one of the largest solar projects by land area in the American Midwest.
Bright spot: The 600 MW project will leverage existing interconnection at Earthrise’s Lincoln Generating Facility, the company says, which will allow new power to come online quickly at a crucial time for the state’s energy demands. Nearly the size of Chicago O’Hare International Airport at 11.9 square miles, the project’s construction and maintenance will create 1,000 jobs in Will County.
Earthrise CEO Jeff Hunter calls the project approval a “significant milestone” for renewable energy in Illinois, making it one of many milestones this year alone. He adds that project is the ideal implementation of the company’s wider approach to solar in the Land of Lincoln.
“Illinois is among the fastest-growing electricity markets in the Midwest, and projects like Pride of the Prairie are critical to meeting demand reliably and quickly,” Hunter says. “By repurposing the transmission infrastructure of existing power plants for renewable energy development, Earthrise can bring new energy supply to the grid significantly faster than traditional greenfield projects.”
James P. Connolly, business manager of the Chicago Laborers’ District Council, says the board’s vote is “a win for the working men and women of Will County,” as well as the Midwest’s wider energy infrastructure. He expects the project to attract construction workers young and old as it becomes one of the largest solar energy generation sites in the region.
“The Pride of the Prairie Solar Project will not only create hundreds of jobs for local union members,” he says, “but also create a pathway for new apprentice laborers to begin their careers in construction.”
Standard Solar adds to New York community solar portfolio with latest acquisition
Commercial and community solar developer Standard Solar has announced its acquisition of a two-project solar portfolio from EDF Power Solutions North America.
The deal will add to the Rockville, Maryland-based firm’s solar assets, which already top out at about 82.3 MW. The two projects are approximately 8 MW when put together, and both received awards from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
“New York has long been an important market for Standard Solar, and this acquisition builds on the established portfolio we already own and operate across the state,” says Megan Byrn, VP of business development at Standard Solar. “These projects reflect our continued focus on acquiring high-quality community solar assets in New York and nationwide.
“By working with experienced development partners like EDF power solutions, we can help move strong projects forward efficiently and deliver long-term value for customers, communities and the grid.”
Bright spot: The two projects, expected to finish construction by early 2027, will add to the Empire State’s already nation-leading solar capacity, the company says. New York has more than 7.9 GW of installed solar capacity, which has the ability to power 1.3 million homes, and ranks seventh in SEIA’s state solar rankings.
Rod Viens, VP and general manager of distribution-scale power at EDF, says Standard Solar has a proven acquisitional track record in the solar space. He and the EDF team are excited to work with the firm for deployment and further support of renewable energy in New York, he says.
“Standard Solar brings the long-term ownership experience and operational discipline needed to ensure these projects deliver sustained value,” he says.
Ørsted, HASI close deal for 1 GW of solar and storage across southern states
HA Sustainable Infrastructure and global renewable energy company Ørsted have closed a series of land transactions, accounting for about 6,600 acres and 1 GW of solar and storage across three Ørsted projects.
Bright spot: Located across Arizona, Texas, and Alabama, the agreements will allow Ørsted and its partners to continue ownership and operation of all projects, all of which are already operational and hold power purchase agreements. HASI has already provided land financing for 6 GW of solar and storage over the past year, and has a total land investment of more than 24 GW.
“By partnering with HASI, a leading sustainable infrastructure investor, we’re able to optimize our capital position for future investment, while continuing to deliver energy to our customers across Arizona, Texas, and Alabama,” says James Giamarino, CCO of Ørsted Americas.
Manny Haile-Mariam, HASI’s co-CIO says the company is looking forward to more land financing with Ørsted. The company currently has over $16 billion in managed assets worldwide, with a high percentage of that coming in utility-scale solar, storage, and onshore wind.
“Our expertise in energy markets and financial structuring allows us to offer competitive land financing products that deliver optimal outcomes for our clients and their projects,” he says.
Matrix Renewables, SOLV Energy break ground on Tormes Solar
Global energy platform Matrix Renewables and EPC firm SOLV Energy have begun construction on the Tormes Solar Project in central eastern Texas.
Located in Navarro County, about 60 miles from Dallas, Tormes Solar will eventually become a 457 MWdc solar facility. The site will represent an investment of about $750 million in the area’s renewable energy infrastructure and existing systems.
“We are proud to announce the construction of the Tormes Solar Project and to continue investing in Texas communities that are helping to power the state’s and nation’s energy future,” says Cindy Tindell, managing director and head of U.S. operations for Matrix. “Texas continues to lead the nation in renewable energy, and projects like Tormes demonstrate how clean power can strengthen local economies, support landowners, and deliver reliable energy to meet growing demand.”
Bright spot: Tormes is expected to generate about 450 jobs during its construction process, Matrix Renewables officials say. Once online, the project will help strengthen Texas’s wider energy grid, taking some of the strain off of the state grid while also generating income for landowners.
The project “marks the next step” in Matrix and SOLV’s wider partnership, according to SOLV CEO George Hershman. The two companies already have an entrenched partnership, having worked on the utility-scale Stillhouse Solar in central Texas’s Bell County.
“Building on the success of Stillhouse Solar, this project reflects our shared commitment to delivering high-quality projects and making a positive impact in the communities where we work. We’re proud to help bring reliable, clean energy to Texas.”
Avangrid, Microsoft sign PPA for Washington project
Energy firm Avangrid Inc. has inked a power purchase agreement with tech giant Microsoft for its Bluebird Solar project, located in southern Washington’s Klickitat County.
The 140 MWdc project puts Microsoft over 500 MW of energy capacity under contract in the U.S., Avangrid officials say. Bluebird is the fourth project now under an agreement in the country, with projects in Ohio, California, and another in Washington already under contract.
“Bluebird Solar builds on our longstanding commitment to energy development and operations in Washington, bringing meaningful economic benefits to Klickitat County. We are proud to have built a strong relationship with Microsoft to help them meet their energy needs while investing in the communities where we operate,” says Avangrid CEO Jose Antonio Miranda.
“This adds to Avangrid’s strong track record of developing projects to help meet growing energy demands from the world’s leading technology companies.”
Bright spot: Construction of Bluebird itself will create an estimated 300 jobs in local union labor, Avangrid says. Long-term operations and maintenance following completion of construction will provide “several” permanent jobs in the Klickitat County community once the project comes online in 2028.
EDF Power Solutions, SCPPA ink deal for Utah project
EDF Power Solutions North America has announced a 30-year power purchase agreement with the Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA) for the firm’s Utah Solar 1 project.
Bright spot: Located in western Utah’s Millard County, the 400 MWdc project will begin operations in mid-2027, officials say. The project is located on state-owned lands managed by Utah Trust Lands Administration (TLA), and will generate over $40 million in local tax revenue, as well as $27 million in lease revenue for TLA over the course of the agreement.
“As the nation’s largest municipal utility, LADWP is demonstrating that decarbonization at scale is possible—and we are not wavering in our commitment to achieve our clean energy goals,” says Dave Hanson, interim general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). “Utah Solar 1 strengthens power reliability and affordability for our customers while unlocking our ability to bring more clean energy like green hydrogen from the Intermountain Power Project in Utah, to L.A.”
Along with various economic benefits, Utah Solar 1 Energy will generate about 766 GWh worth of solar power annually, officials say. That number is enough to power 126,800 average Californian homes every year. As a whole, EDF Power Solutions has a portfolio of about 26 GW of wind, solar, and energy storage to its name.
