Landowners, officials, and community members who live near National Grid Renewables’ (formerly known as Geronimo Energy) solar energy projects speak about the positive economic impacts solar energy projects provide their hometowns, including tax revenue, landowner income and electric cost savings.
What is it really like to live near or work by a solar energy project? What is the construction process like? And what do they look like when they’re operating? Landowners, neighbors and officials talk about their experiences living near solar energy projects.
Minneapolis, MN (September 15, 2021) – Today, National Grid Renewables announced its pledge to donate an estimated $720,000 to the Kansas, Illinois School District through its 200 megawatt (MW) Prairie Wolf Solar Project (Prairie Wolf or the project) located in Coles County, Illinois. Prairie Wolf will support The Prairie Wolf Education Fund via annual donations of approximately $36,000 over a twenty-year period.
“This donation allows Kansas Schools the opportunity to add materials and supplies to our curriculum that would otherwise be impossible,” commented Cindy Spencer, Superintendent for Kansas School District. “We are very grateful to National Grid Renewables for their generous gift to our district.”
As part of its community-focused and farmer-friendly foundation, National Grid Renewables initiates charitable funds for each of its owned and operational large scale renewable energy projects. The purpose of these charitable funds is to engage in, assist, and contribute money to charitable and/or community activities and opportunities within the project communities. The gifts donated by the charitable funds are above and beyond any tax revenue delivered by National Grid Renewables’ projects.
The Prairie Wolf Education Fund will receive its first donation from Prairie Wolf approximately one year after the project reaches commercial operation. Prairie Wolf, which is currently under construction, is anticipated to begin operation by the end of 2021, informing an estimated first annual donation in 2022.
“We are committed to acting as good stewards to the communities we serve – and through our projects that are currently under construction or in operation, National Grid Renewables has pledged over $3.7 million in charitable giving over the next twenty years,” stated David Reamer, Head of Development, US Onshore Renewables for National Grid Renewables. “As a dedicated member of our projects’ host communities, we are proud to support our nationwide neighbors through these charitable funds.”
Using the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator, Prairie Wolf is estimated to offset carbon dioxide emissions by 285,000 metric tons annually during operation. Prairie Wolf will also benefit local and statewide economies through the production of new tax revenue, the creation of jobs, and increased local spending.
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National Grid Renewables, part of the competitive, unregulated National Grid Ventures division of National Grid (NYSE: NGG), develops, owns and operates large-scale renewable energy assets across the United States, including solar, wind and battery storage. As a farmer-friendly and community-focused business, National Grid Renewables develops projects for corporations and utilities that seek to repower America’s electricity grid by reigniting local economies and reinvesting in a sustainable, clean energy future.
National Grid Renewables has a robust development pipeline of wind, solar and battery storage projects in various stages of development throughout the United States, as well as geographically diverse operational assets across the country. It supports National Grid’s vision of being at the heart of a clean, fair, and affordable energy future for all. To learn more about National Grid Renewables, visit www.nationalgridrenewables.com or follow the company on Twitter or LinkedIn.
Minneapolis, MN (June 10, 2021) – National Grid Renewables today announced significant economic benefits provided by its MiSolar Portfolio (MiSolar), which recently began operation and includes two Michigan solar projects, Bingham Solar and Temperance Solar, located in Clinton and Monroe counties, respectively. Combined, the projects produce 40 megawatts (MW) of clean, solar energy. Together with its affiliated entities, National Grid Renewables owns and operates both solar projects, and each project has a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Consumers Energy.
National Grid Renewables contracted with Michigan-based Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor J. Ranck Electric, Inc. to construct the projects, and during peak construction MiSolar employed approximately 160 workers, 95% of which were recruited from communities within 100 miles of each site. Additional MiSolar job and economic benefits resulted from utilizing Michigan-based subcontractors, including The Hydaker-Wheatlake Company, based out of Reed City, Michigan.
“As a Michigan-based company, The Hydaker-Wheatlake Company was proud to help construct the MiSolar Portfolio,” stated Neil Wallerstrom, General Foreman, The Hydaker-Wheatlake Company. “Solar projects like the MiSolar Portfolio provide economic benefits for Michigan residents at the local and state level. Throughout the construction process of both project substations, we were able to hire Michigan residents and were pleased to support local hardware stores, hotels, and restaurants.”
Now operational, two full-time operations and maintenance staff work at the MiSolar project sites. During the first 20 years of operation, MiSolar is projected to further benefit the community through the creation of approximately $6 million in new tax revenue, based on current Michigan law. Throughout that same time period, using the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator, the combined projects are estimated to offset carbon dioxide emissions by over 50,000 metric tons annually.
“Our company has a long history in Michigan, and we are proud to support the state and local economies through the creation of new tax revenue and jobs that result from these projects,” stated David Reamer, Head of Development, US Onshore Renewables for National Grid Renewables. “Thank you to the residents of Clinton and Monroe Counties for welcoming us into your communities.”
“In support of the company’s triple bottom line strategy to serve the People, Planet and Prosperity in Michigan, Consumers Energy has committed to achieve a net-zero carbon energy future,” said Tim Sparks, Vice President of Electric Grid Integration at Consumers Energy. “Projects like these National Grid Renewables’ solar projects will produce clean, renewable energy and will help us realize our Clean Energy Plan. It is exciting to have two of their large-scale projects online, and we thank National Grid Renewables for their shared clean energy vision.”
National Grid Renewables, part of the competitive, unregulated National Grid Ventures division of National Grid (NYSE: NGG), develops, owns and operates large-scale renewable energy assets across the United States, including solar, wind and battery storage. As a farmer-friendly and community-focused business, National Grid Renewables develops projects for corporations and utilities that seek to repower America’s electricity grid by reigniting local economies and reinvesting in a sustainable, clean energy future.
National Grid Renewables has a robust development pipeline of wind, solar and battery storage projects in various stages of development throughout the United States, as well as geographically diverse operational assets across the country. It supports National Grid’s vision of being at the heart of a clean, fair, and affordable energy future for all. To learn more about National Grid Renewables, visit www.nationalgridrenewables.com or follow the company on Twitter or LinkedIn.
Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
Project to offset CO2 emissions by ~450,000 metric tons annually, will utilize First Solar Series 6 modules
Minneapolis, MN (April 20, 2021) – As part of this year’s Earth Day celebration, National Grid Renewables has announced the signing of three solar power purchase agreements (PPAs) for the Noble Project (Noble) currently under construction in Denton County, Texas. Noble consists of 275 megawatts (MW) of solar and 125 megawatt hours (MWh) of battery storage. The Home Depot and NRG have each executed individual 100 MW solar PPAs, and The Hershey Company has contracted for a 50 MW solar PPA.
Using the United States’ Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator, Noble is estimated to offset carbon dioxide emissions by 450,000 metric tons annually during the first 20 years of operation and will support the clean energy goals of The Home Depot, NRG, and The Hershey Company.
“Our partnership with National Grid Renewables reinforces our commitment to reduce our impact by continually improving the efficiency of our operations and expanding investments in renewable and alternative energy,” says Ron Jarvis, Chief Sustainability Officer at The Home Depot. “We are on track to meet or exceed our goal to procure or produce 335 megawatts of renewable or alternative energy by 2025.”
“The call to decarbonize our economy continues to grow,” said Robert Gaudette, Senior Vice President of NRG Energy, Inc. “We look forward to taking another step toward a more sustainable energy future. Through renewable energy and the support of local communities, we are able to provide our customers with more energy solutions.”
“As a company, our sustainability goals are changing the way we do business,” said Jeff King, Senior Director of Global Sustainability and Social Impact for The Hershey Company. “Solar projects, like Noble, will help us continue on our path towards increasing reliance on clean and renewable energy across all of our operations.”
Noble is anticipated to begin operation in the first half of 2022 and will positively impact the local economy throughout construction and operation. During construction, Noble is anticipated to employ approximately 250 workers and will boost spending at local businesses. Throughout the first 20 years of operation, Noble is projected to benefit the community through the creation of approximately $26 million in new tax revenue, 3-5 on-site operations and maintenance jobs, and over $1 million in donations funded by Noble through a local charitable initiative.
“National Grid Renewables is proud to work with some of the nation’s most prominent businesses to bring Noble forward for the local community of Denton and the state of Texas,” stated David Reamer, Head of Development, US Onshore Renewables for National Grid Renewables. “Like all renewable energy projects, Noble will provide impactful, cost-effective, and reliable clean energy generation that will create tremendous economic benefits for local businesses and residents.”
Noble will utilize next-generation Series 6 thin film solar modules developed and produced by First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR). “By using First Solar modules, Noble will generate some of the lowest carbon solar electricity possible today,” said Georges Antoun, Chief Commercial Officer, First Solar. “With this project, National Grid Renewables demonstrates how lower carbon, responsible solar electricity produced with American solar technology can competitively and reliably power iconic US businesses.”
National Grid Renewables, part of the competitive, unregulated National Grid Ventures division of National Grid (NYSE: NGG), develops, owns and operates large-scale renewable energy assets across the United States, including solar, wind and battery storage. As a farmer-friendly and community-focused business, National Grid Renewables develops projects for corporations and utilities that seek to repower America’s electricity grid by reigniting local economies and reinvesting in a sustainable, clean energy future. Please visit www.nationalgridrenewables.com to learn more.
The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer. The Home Depot operates a total of 2,298 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. In fiscal 2020, The Home Depot had sales of $132.1 billion and earnings of $12.9 billion. The Home Depot employs approximately 500,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.
NRG is bringing the power of energy to people and organizations by putting customers at the center of everything they do. They generate electricity and provide energy solutions and natural gas to millions of customers through its diverse portfolio of retail brands. A Fortune 500 company operating in the United States and Canada, NRG delivers innovative solutions while advocating for competitive energy markets and customer choice, working towards a sustainable energy future. NRG is committed to a science-based goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2025 and achieving net-zero by 2050. More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG on Facebook, LinkedIn and follow them on Twitter @nrgenergy.
The Hershey Company is headquartered in Hershey, Pa. and is an industry-leading snacks company known for bringing goodness to the world through its iconic brands, remarkable people and enduring commitment to help children succeed. Hershey has approximately 17,000 employees around the world who work every day to deliver delicious, quality products. Hershey has more than 90 brands around the world that drive more than $8 billion in annual revenues, including such iconic brand names as Hershey’s, Reese’s, Kit Kat®, Jolly Rancher, Ice Breakers, SkinnyPop, and Pirate’s Booty. In March 2021, Hershey announced new commitments to advance its environmental progress and contribute to global climate action, including ambitious new goals to reduce its global emissions in line with the global best practice of the Paris Climate Agreement, to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. For more than 125 years, Hershey has been committed to operating fairly, ethically and sustainably. Hershey founder, Milton Hershey, created the Milton Hershey School in 1909 and since then the company has focused on helping children succeed. To learn more visit www.thehersheycompany.com.
First Solar is a leading American solar technology company and global provider of responsibly-produced eco-efficient solar modules advancing the fight against climate change. Developed at R&D labs in California and Ohio, First Solar’s advanced thin film photovoltaic (PV) modules represent the next generation of solar technologies, providing a competitive, high-performance, lower-carbon alternative to conventional crystalline silicon PV panels. From raw material sourcing and manufacturing through end-of-life module recycling, First Solar’s approach to technology embodies sustainability and a responsibility towards people and the planet. For more information, please visit www.firstsolar.com.
Rollout of new National Grid Renewables brand emphasizes the important role renewable energy will play in the company’s efforts to decarbonize the energy system
Waltham, MA and Minneapolis, MN (October 14, 2020) – National Grid, through its competitive, nonregulated National Grid Ventures unit, today announced the launch of National Grid Renewables, the new brand name for its US renewable energy business which includes solar, onshore wind and battery storage. National Grid Renewables is focused on accelerating the clean energy transition through developing, owning and operating large-scale renewable energy assets across the United States.
“National Grid has a critical role to play in the acceleration of a cleaner energy future, which is why we’re pleased to be launching National Grid Renewables to further underscore our commitment to reaching net zero,” said Daniel Westerman, President, Renewable Energy for National Grid. “In addition to being positive for our planet, developing new renewable energy projects creates jobs and spurs economic development in communities across America. We look forward to expanding our positive social and environmental impact as we look ahead, all while delivering strong shareholder value.”
This rollout builds on National Grid’s acquisition of Geronimo Energy, a leading wind and solar developer in North America, in July 2019, further underscoring the company’s commitment to decarbonizing the energy system. Since last year’s acquisition, National Grid’s onshore renewables development team (formerly known as Geronimo Energy) has signed over 500 megawatts (MW) of announced contracts with customers and has expanded its robust pipeline of wind, solar and battery storage projects throughout the U.S. As part of today’s launch, Geronimo Energy will transition to the new National Grid Renewables branding.
“The launch of the National Grid Renewables brand supports our goal to expand our onshore project portfolio nationwide and continue our growth as a leader in the renewable energy industry,” stated Blake Nixon, Head of US Onshore Renewables for National Grid Renewables. “We are proud to take on the National Grid name, as our corporate values have always been and continue to be aligned. Our farmer-friendly, community-focused value set and guiding principle to do what is right for community members, customers, and partners remains the same.”
In addition to its onshore renewables development team, National Grid Renewables includes an increasing number of operational assets that are geographically diverse across the U.S., from wind and solar farms in the Midwest and South to investments in battery storage facilities on the East Coast.
It also has had a partnership dating back to 2016 with Sunrun, a leading residential solar, battery storage, and energy services company in the US, that has included a $100 million asset investment and employees from each company working to develop the potential of grid services using cleaner, renewable sources of energy.
For more information about National Grid Renewables, please visit www.nationalgridrenewables.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
National Grid Renewables, part of the competitive, unregulated National Grid Ventures division of National Grid (NYSE: NGG), develops, owns and operates large-scale renewable energy assets across the United States, including solar, wind and battery storage. As a farmer-friendly and community-focused business, National Grid Renewables develops projects for corporations and utilities that seek to repower America’s electricity grid by reigniting local economies and reinvesting in a sustainable, clean energy future.
National Grid Renewables has a robust development pipeline of wind, solar and battery storage projects in various stages of development throughout the United States, as well as geographically diverse operational assets across the country. It supports National Grid’s vision of being at the heart of a clean, fair, and affordable energy future for all. Please visit www.nationalgridrenewables.com to learn more.
The Wisconsin utility company’s contract allows Geronimo Energy to continue development and acquire the Rock County Solar Project post-approvals
Minneapolis, MN (May 26, 2020) – Geronimo Energy (Geronimo), a National Grid company, and Alliant Energy announced today the sale of North Rock Solar (North Rock) in Rock County, Wisconsin to Alliant Energy. Geronimo Energy will continue development activities until regulatory approvals and other contractual commitments are complete, at which time Alliant Energy will acquire North Rock.
North Rock will produce 50 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough to power approximately 12,000 Wisconsin homes, and will contribute to Alliant’s goal to build 1,000 MW of solar projects in Wisconsin by 2023. The 50 MW North Rock will be located in the town of Fulton, approximately 10 miles north of Janesville, and is estimated to have a footprint of 440 acres. The project is expected to begin construction in 2021, with anticipated completion in late 2022, and will bring positive economic benefits in the form of new tax revenue, local spending, and job creation to both local and state communities.
“As a midwestern-based U.S. renewable energy company, Geronimo Energy is proud to partner with Alliant Energy to bring additional clean energy to the Wisconsin electric grid,” stated David Reamer, President for Geronimo Energy. “As a farmer-friendly and community-focused company, we believe both our land partners and the local community in the Town of Fulton are in excellent hands with the Alliant Energy team at the helm of North Rock Solar.”
“We look forward to working with Geronimo Energy and Rock County as project development continues toward construction,” stated Ben Lipari, Director of Resource Development at Alliant Energy. “The future of renewable energy in Wisconsin is bright. This project is an investment in a community where we have a long history of partnership, supporting customers and furthering economic growth. Our solar projects initiate significant tax revenue, establish reliable income for landowners and create new, local construction jobs.”
This project sale is included in a 6-county, 675 MW solar announcement made by Alliant Energy earlier today in Wisconsin. Once operational, the energy from the six projects will be enough to power 175,000 homes per year. The 675 MW solar announcement is part of Alliant Energy’s Clean Energy Blueprint, which outlines their roadmap to accelerate renewable energy, while reducing carbon emissions.
National Grid Renewables, part of the competitive, unregulated National Grid Ventures division of National Grid (NYSE: NGG), develops, owns and operates large-scale renewable energy assets across the United States, including solar, wind and battery storage. As a farmer-friendly and community-focused business, National Grid Renewables develops projects for corporations and utilities that seek to repower America’s electricity grid by reigniting local economies and reinvesting in a sustainable, clean energy future.
National Grid Renewables has a robust development pipeline of wind, solar and battery storage projects in various stages of development throughout the United States, as well as geographically diverse operational assets across the country. It supports National Grid’s vision of being at the heart of a clean, fair, and affordable energy future for all. Please visit www.nationalgridrenewables.com to learn more.
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