Type: News

Minneapolis, MN (September 17, 2024) – National Grid Renewables announced today its pledge to contribute $800,000 in charitable funding through its Unbridled Solar (Unbridled) project located in Henderson and Webster Counties, Kentucky. The 160 megawatt (MW) Unbridled project announced the start of construction in late 2023 and is anticipated to be the largest producer of clean, solar energy in the state once it achieves commercial operation. 

“Giving back to our local project communities is at the heart of what we do,” said Blake Nixon, President and CEO of National Grid Renewables. “Our team is dedicated to powering a more sustainable future – one where rural communities across America will thrive. We’re proud to be continuing our tradition of giving with the Unbridled Solar charitable fund.”

Unbridled Solar will provide approximately $800,000 in charitable donations over the first twenty years of operations. The funds will be managed and distributed by the Community Foundation of Henderson (CFH).

Minneapolis, MN (September 10, 2024) – National Grid Renewables today announced the start of onsite construction at its Blevins Solar Project (Blevins) in Falls County, Texas. Once operational, the Blevins project will deliver 270 megawatts (MW) of clean solar power.

“Blevins is our third solar project to break ground in the great state of Texas, and our second in Falls County,” said Joe Ibrahim, Vice President of Construction and Engineering. “We are excited to continue working with community members to bring significant local economic development to the Lonestar State.”

The Blevins project will deliver significant economic value for the local community. Blevins is anticipated to generate approximately $90 million in direct impact over its 20-year operational lifecycle, including an estimated $52 million in tax revenue accruing to Falls County and the local school and emergency districts. The execution of two power purchase agreements (PPAs) was announced in late 2023 for the project. Additionally, Mortenson Construction will manage construction of the 2,300-acre project will and will sustain 360 construction and service jobs. Blevins will also use First Solar Series 6 Plus modules.

“We are grateful for our robust partnership with National Grid Renewables and the opportunity to build another significant and sustainable clean energy project in Texas,” said Eric Grenz, Vice President and General Manager at Mortenson. “We are committed to providing career opportunities for the local Falls County community, stimulating local businesses, and contributing to the area’s long term economic vitality.”  

Minneapolis, MN (September 5, 2024) – Today, National Grid Renewables announced the start of onsite construction at its Dodson Creek Solar Project (Dodson Creek) in Highland County, Ohio. Once operational, the Dodson Creek project, located within the PJM market, will deliver 117 megawatts (MW) of clean solar power and generate an estimated $49 million in direct economic benefit for the local community.

“Dodson Creek is our fourth project to begin construction in Ohio and the second in Highland County,” said Joe Ibrahim, Vice President of Construction and Engineering. “This project is the next chapter in our commitment to helping communities across Ohio realize the economic benefits of the clean energy transition.”

Dodson Creek follows National Grid Renewables’ operational Yellowbud Solar project – the first and largest project in their Ohio portfolio, as well as its current construction projects, Ross County Solar and Fayette Solar. In total, and in addition to a robust development portfolio, the four projects represent a 558.5 MW portfolio of construction and operating projects throughout the Buckeye state.

Dodson Creek will positively impact the local community in many ways. Throughout the construction phase, the 1,300-acre project will create and sustain approximately 200 construction jobs. Dodson Creek is contracted with Kiewit as the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) partner.

“Our fourth collaboration with NG Renewables on the Dodson Creek Solar Project exemplifies our enduring partnership and commitment to renewable energy,” said Brian Koller, vice president, Kiewit Power Constructors Co.  “We value the strong relationships we have built with the local union craft and the Highland County community. Kiewit is proud to contribute to a sustainable future through the Dodson Creek Solar Project.”

In continuing its longstanding partnership with First Solar, the Dodson Creek project will utilize next generation Series 7 modules developed and produced by First Solar, Inc (Nasdaq: FSLR) at their Toledo, Ohio manufacturing facility.

“There is real momentum driving the growth of solar in Ohio today, First Solar’s home state,” stated Darin Green, Senior Director at First Solar. “We are proud to be supporting National Grid Renewables with American-made Series 7 modules, manufactured about 3.5 hours away from the Dodson Creek site, as they continue to prominently contribute to Ohio’s sustainable energy future. We are certain Dodson Creek will be a great addition to the state.”

Once operational, the project is anticipated to produce approximately $21 million in new tax revenue for Highland County and local townships, school districts and emergency (fire/EMS/mental health) districts. Additionally, National Grid Renewables has pledged to contribute $585,000 to Highland County charities and organizations through a dedicated charitable fund. This follows a previous pledge of over $1 million to the Ohio communities of Ross and Pickaway Counties through its Yellowbud Solar project. These charitable funds are unique to National Grid Renewables and exemplify how they commit to being good neighbors within the communities in which their projects are built. 

Estimated to begin operations in mid-2025, the Dodson Creek project is anticipated to avoid an estimated 198,400 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions every year during operation— the equivalent of taking an estimated 44,000 cars off the road for a year.

Minneapolis, MN (June 25, 2024) – Today, National Grid Renewables announced the start of operation at its Wild Springs Solar Project (Wild Springs) in Pennington County, South Dakota. The largest solar project in South Dakota to date, Wild Springs is a 128 megawatt (MW) solar project located in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) with a 114 MW Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Basin Electric Power Cooperative (Basin Electric).

“The completion of Wild Springs marks a significant step in our commitment to bringing clean, sustainable energy solutions to the state of South Dakota,” said Blake Nixon, President of National Grid Renewables. “We’re excited to see the impact of this project reach local and state residents through additional tax revenue, charitable contributions, and above all else – clean energy solutions.”

Minneapolis, MN (June 20, 2024) – Last week, Minnesota-based National Grid Renewables hosted a community event celebrating two new solar projects located in Southern Minnesota – the 50 megawatt (MW) Louise Solar Project located in Mower County, and the Fillmore County Solar Project located in Fillmore County. The “Homegrown Minnesolar” event brought together community members, landowners, customers, partners, and local officials to celebrate and recognize the positive impact of these projects to the local communities and residents.

“We’re incredibly proud of our farmer-founded roots that began right here in Minnesota,” said Blake Nixon, president of National Grid Renewables. “As a Minnesota-headquartered company, today is an exciting day. The Fillmore County and Louise Solar projects represent our deep commitment to boosting economic vitality in communities throughout rural America in the form of new investment driving economic growth, tax revenue, jobs, and charitable funding.”

Minneapolis, MN (June 12, 2024) – National Grid Renewables today pledged $380,000 in total contributions to charitable funding through its Fillmore County Solar (Fillmore) and Louise Solar (Louise) projects in southeastern Minnesota. Construction on both projects was announced in February of this year. The 45-megawatt (MW) Fillmore project in Fillmore County and the 50-megawatt (MW) Louise project in Mower County will deliver green, clean energy to the local grid while generating significant tax revenue and creating jobs during construction and operations.

“Supporting local communities is the key to unlocking a clean and sustainable future,” said Blake Nixon, President of National Grid Renewables. “I’m proud to say that we are continuing our longstanding commitment to education through the Fillmore and Louise charitable funds, which will provide much needed resources for local schools and residents in our home state.”

Minneapolis, MN (June 6, 2024) – Today, National Grid Renewables announced the start of commercial operation at its Copperhead Solar and Storage Project (Copperhead) located in Falls County, Texas, further expanding the company’s clean energy economic benefits across the Lonestar State.

Located in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) market, Copperhead is a 150-megawatt (MW) solar and 100-megawatt hour (MWh) storage project that celebrated its groundbreaking in the fall of 2022. Copperhead is anticipated to contribute $25 million in direct economic impact, including $12 million in new tax revenue over the first 25 years of operation. Additionally, and unique to National Grid Renewables, the project will also contribute $600,000 through the Copperhead Community Fund to three volunteer fire departments and a youth athletic organization in Falls County, Texas.

“We continue to grow our renewable energy portfolio within the state of Texas and persist in our dedication to contributing positively to the economic well-being of the communities in which we operate,” said Blake Nixon, President of National Grid Renewables. “Copperhead signifies this commitment, and we look forward to continuing to be good neighbors and partners with the Lonestar state and its residents.”

“Falls County is grateful for all the support from National Grid Renewables, which has provided an invaluable resource to our community through the Copperhead Charitable Fund,” said Jay T. Elliott, Falls County Judge. “The county is now able to provide additional services and personnel that would not be possible without the Copperhead Solar & Storage project.”

Minneapolis, MN (February 13, 2024) – Today, National Grid Renewables announced the start of major onsite construction on two solar projects located in southern Minnesota. Both the 45-megawatt (MW) Fillmore County Solar project (Fillmore) located in Fillmore County, and the 50 MW Louise Solar project (Louise) located in Mower County are within the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) market.

“As a company that was founded and still headquartered in Minnesota, it’s both exciting and rewarding to see this growth in renewable energy happening right in our own backyard,” said Joe Ibrahim, Vice President of Construction and Engineering at National Grid Renewables. “These projects will not only provide additional tax revenue and jobs to the local residents, but also extend our commitment to being good neighbors with local and statewide residents.”

Both Fillmore and Louise have executed power purchase agreements with Xcel Energy, a proven leader in reducing carbon emissions while still delivering reliable and affordable energy for residents across its large service territory. Also based in Minnesota, Xcel Energy has committed to delivering 100% carbon-free electricity to its customers by 2050.

“As leaders in the clean energy transition, we are dedicated to expanding the role of carbon-free electricity in the energy mix we provide to our Minnesota customers,” said Bria Shea, Regional Vice President of Planning and Policy for Xcel Energy–Minnesota. “We are excited to include renewable energy from the Fillmore and Louise solar projects in this mix as we move one step closer to the clean energy future.”

Together, Fillmore and Louise will contribute more than $30 million in direct economic impact over the first 20 years of operation. This includes over $4 million in new tax revenue to be distributed to local townships and counties, as well as the creation of 300 new construction jobs in the area. Above and beyond these benefits, the projects will contribute a combined $380,000 through dedicated project charitable funds over the same time period. These charitable funds are unique to National Grid Renewables and exemplify its commitment to being good stewards of the communities in which its projects are built.

Both projects will be constructed by Berry Construction Company, Inc. (Berry) and will utilize Series 6 Plus bifacial solar modules developed and produced by First Solar, Inc. (First Solar).

“We are now in our fifth year of designing and building solar power projects in Minnesota with National Grid Renewables, and we are excited to begin construction on the Fillmore and Louise projects,” said Dean Bryant, President of Berry’s Renewable Energy Division. “It has been a pleasure to be a partner with an industry leader like National Grid Renewables, working together to help meet the growing demand for renewable energy sources.”

“First Solar is proud to support National Grid Renewables’ Fillmore and Louise projects with our uniquely American and responsibly produced solar technology,” stated Dana Kennard, Director of Business Development at First Solar. “As a company with its roots in the Midwest, it’s exciting to support our valued partners as they work to develop the regional renewable energy market with US manufactured technology.”

Minneapolis, MN (December 18, 2023) – Today, National Grid Renewables announced its pledge to donate $670,000 in charitable funding through its Ross County Solar (Ross) and Fayette Solar (Fayette) projects in Ohio. Ross County Solar is a 120 megawatt (MW) solar development in Ross County, Ohio and Fayette Solar is a 47.5 megawatt (MW) solar development in nearby Fayette and Highland Counties, Ohio. Construction on both projects was announced last month, with completion of Fayette expected  by spring of 2024 and Ross County Solar completing construction shortly after in the fall of 2024.

“We’ve had a longstanding commitment to bring clean, sustainable energy and its associated benefits to the residents and communities that host our projects,” said Blake Nixon, President of National Grid Renewables. “With more than $1.5 million in charitable donations pledged through all three of our current Ohio solar projects, we are expanding upon that foundational commitment by supporting our neighbors and community members throughout the Buckeye State.”

The Ross project will provide approximately $480,000 in charitable donations over the first twenty years of operation and will be managed through The Chillicothe-Ross Community Foundation (CRCF), with whom National Grid Renewables partnered on a similar charitable donation sourced from their nearby Yellowbud Solar project. The Fayette project will provide an additional $190,000 over the same timeframe and will be distributed by The Greenfield Ohio Foundation, a local nonprofit organization.

“We are thrilled to partner once again with National Grid Renewables to enhance the quality of life in Ross County communities,” said Scott Graham, Executive Director for The Chillicothe-Ross Community Foundation. “This community fund will annually support nonprofit organizations and schools operating in the area served by the solar development.”

“We are pleased that National Grid Renewables chose The Greenfield Foundation to distribute its charitable donations related to the Fayette Solar project,” said Steve Hunter, President of the local foundation. “This money will be awarded to local projects for the benefit of the area served by The Greenfield Foundation.” While National Grid Renewables already pays significant taxes to local government entities, Hunter noted that “their charitable giving is voluntary and reflects the company’s commitment to helping local communities.”

National Grid Renewables initiates charitable funds for each of its owned and operated large-scale renewable energy projects. The purpose of these charitable funds is to engage with and contribute money to charitable and/or community activities and organizations within the project communities. To learn more about their commitment to communities, visit www.nationalgridrenewables.com/communities.

Minneapolis, MN (December 14, 2023) – Today, National Grid Renewables announced the start of construction on its Unbridled Solar project (Unbridled) located in Henderson and Webster Counties, Kentucky. At 160 megawatts (MW), Unbridled is anticipated to be the largest producer of clean, solar energy in the state once it reaches operations in 2024.

“We’re both proud and excited to be constructing the largest solar renewable energy project in the state of Kentucky,” said Blake Nixon, President of National Grid Renewables. “Unbridled is our first project within the state and exemplifies our commitment to the clean energy transition and the benefits it provides to rural economies in the form of new tax revenue and jobs throughout America.” 

Overall, the project is estimated to provide close to $42 million in direct economic impact over the first 20 years of operations. This includes the creation of at least 200 jobs, the production of more than $12 million in new tax revenue, and more than $24 million to local farmers and landowners. The project has a previously announced Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Big Rivers Electric Corporation and is partnering with Wanzek Construction to complete the build.

“The Unbridled Solar Project will be a new and valuable addition to the diverse power portfolio needed to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable energy to our Member-Owners,” said Bob Berry, President and CEO of Big Rivers Electric Corporation. “This large-scale project also prioritizes our region with solar development that directly benefits the local economy and generates power for the people we serve.”

“Unbridled is a strategic project for Wanzek and the MasTec Renewables team in Kentucky,” says Rob Turner, Vice President of Construction for MasTec Renewables. “We are thrilled to establish this partnership with National Grid Renewables and hope to continue to build additional clean energy projects in the state.”

Above and beyond all other economic benefits, Unbridled Solar will also contribute $800,000 through a dedicated project charitable fund over the first 20 years of operations. These charitable funds are unique to National Grid Renewables and exemplify how they commit to being good neighbors within the communities in which their projects are being built.

Minneapolis, MN (December 8, 2023) – National Grid Renewables announced today its plans to donate $600,000 to three volunteer fire departments and a youth athletic organization in Falls County, Texas through its Copperhead Solar and Storage Project (Copperhead). Copperhead is a 150-megawatt (MW) solar and 100-megawatt hour (MWh) storage project that is currently under construction and located in eastern Falls County, Texas.

The project will support the Copperhead Community Fund via annual donations to the Mart Volunteer Fire Department, Marlin Volunteer Fire Department, Riesel Volunteer Fire Department, and the Riesel Youth Athletic Association. This is the second time National Grid Renewables has made a donation in conjunction with its Texas projects to support local emergency services and youth education.

“We continue to live by our community-focused values, which guide our unwavering commitment to being a good neighbor for our project host communities,” said Blake Nixon, President of National Grid Renewables. “This includes investing in local organizations, such as emergency services and youth associations and schools, which are central to the needs of the local residents.”

The first annual distributions from the Copperhead Community Fund will be funded in early 2025, approximately one year after the start of operation at the Copperhead site. Annual estimated donations of $30,000 will result in our total pledge of approximately $600,000 in charitable giving over a twenty-year period. Funds will be distributed through the Communities Foundation of Texas, a statewide nonprofit organization with whom National Grid Renewables has partnered previously for its Noble Community Fund.

“Our vision at Communities Foundation of Texas is thriving communities for all. We appreciate the lasting impact that our corporate partners can make when they are guided by a strong commitment to supporting local nonprofits,” said Elizabeth Corley, Business Engagement Officer at Communities Foundation of Texas. “We applaud National Grid Renewables for investing in the neighborhoods in which they operate and look forward to growing our partnership through their newest Texas-based project.”

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 with and contribute money to charitable and/or community activities and organizations within the project communities. The gifts donated by the charitable funds are above and beyond any tax revenue delivered by National Grid Renewables’ projects. To learn more about their commitment to communities, visit www.nationalgridrenewables.com/communities.