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Construction begins on 45 MW Fillmore County Solar and 50 MW Louise Solar Projects

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 $475,000 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.”

About National Grid Renewables

National Grid Renewables develops, owns and operates large-scale renewable energy assets across the United States, including solar, wind, and energy storage. As a farmer-founded and community-focused business, National Grid Renewables repowers America’s electricity grid by reigniting local economies and reinvesting in a sustainable, clean energy future. National Grid Renewables 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 LinkedIn.

Firetruck

Community Fund donations from Ross County Solar and Fillmore Solar Projects in Ohio

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.

About National Grid Renewables

National Grid Renewables develops and operates large-scale renewable energy assets across the United States, including solar, wind, and energy storage. As a farmer-founded and community-focused business, National Grid Renewables repowers America’s electricity grid by reigniting local economies and reinvesting in a sustainable, clean energy future. National Grid Renewables 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 LinkedIn.

Unbridled construction site

160 megawatt Unbridled Solar Project in Henderson and Webster Counties

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.

About National Grid Renewables

National Grid Renewables develops, owns, and operates large-scale renewable energy assets across the United States, including solar, wind, and energy storage. As a farmer-founded and community-focused business, National Grid Renewables repowers America’s electricity grid by reigniting local economies and reinvesting in a sustainable, clean energy future. National Grid Renewables 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 LinkedIn.

Solar panels

Community Fund donations pledged through Copperhead Solar & Storage Project in Falls County

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.

About National Grid Renewables

National Grid Renewables develops and operates large-scale renewable energy assets across the United States, including solar, wind, and energy storage. As a farmer-founded and community-focused business, National Grid Renewables repowers America’s electricity grid by reigniting local economies and reinvesting in a sustainable, clean energy future. National Grid Renewables 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 LinkedIn.

Solar panels

Projects located in Ross, Highland, and Fayette Counties total 167.5 MW

Minneapolis, MN (November 16, 2023) – National Grid Renewables announced the start of onsite construction at neighboring projects in southern Ohio today. Once operational, the Ross County Solar Project (Ross) and the Fayette Solar Project (Fayette) will deliver a combined 167.5 megawatts (MW) of clean solar power.

“Ross and Fayette mark our second and third projects to break ground in Ohio, the first being our Yellowbud Solar Project, in Ross and Pickaway counties,” stated Joe Ibrahim, Vice President, Construction and Engineering. “We’re excited to extend our partnership with communities both locally and statewide, and we look forward to bringing these projects through construction into operation to benefit our neighbors and landowners.”

Both projects are being constructed by Kiewit Power Constructors Co. and will utilize solar modules developed and produced by First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR), who has a manufacturing plant near Toledo, Ohio.

“The success of the Yellowbud Solar Project is the result of National Grid Renewable’s strong collaboration with First Solar, Kiewit, local unions and the community,” said Jake Lathers, project manager for Kiewit Power Constructors Co. “We look forward to continuing this partnership through the construction of the Ross and Fayette solar projects, which will provide clean, reliable energy to the local area along with additional economic benefits and training opportunities.” 

At 120 MW, Ross is anticipated to produce an estimated $27 million in new tax revenue throughout its first 25 years of operation. Fayette, a 47.5 MW project, is estimated to create $10.6 million in tax revenue during that same time period. Together, the projects will also donate approximately $670,000 through local charitable funds. Using the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator, the projects are estimated to offset carbon dioxide emissions by 145,000 metric tons annually.

About National Grid Renewables

National Grid Renewables develops, owns and operates large-scale renewable energy assets across the United States, including solar, wind, and energy storage. As a farmer-founded and community-focused business, National Grid Renewables repowers America’s electricity grid by reigniting local economies and reinvesting in a sustainable, clean energy future. National Grid Renewables 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 LinkedIn.

270 MW Blevins Solar Project located in ERCOT market

Minneapolis, MN (November 15, 2023) – National Grid Renewables has announced the execution of two power purchase agreements (PPAs) for its Blevins Solar Project (Blevins), a 270 megawatt (MW) development located in Falls County, Texas. Under the PPAs, Fujifilm has contracted 125 MW of solar, and Bristol Myers Squibb has contracted 145 MW of solar.

Blevins is estimated to begin construction in 2024 and reach operations in 2025. Including the Blevins project, National Grid Renewables has a total investment of nearly 1 gigawatt (GW) of renewable energy projects in Texas, including Great Plains Wind Farm, Noble Solar & Storage Project, and Copperhead Solar & Storage Project. Additionally, Blevins is the second National Grid Renewables project located in Falls County, marking a significant commitment to bringing clean energy and associated benefits to local residents.

Blevins is anticipated to benefit local and statewide communities through the production of millions of dollars in new tax revenue and landowner income, the creation of new jobs, and local spending. The project community will also benefit from a dedicated charitable fund, which is unique to National Grid Renewables amongst its competitors. In total, Blevins’ direct economic impact is estimated to reach approximately $35 million over the first 30 years of operation.

“Blevins represents our strong belief that renewable energy projects deliver a sustainable and reliable source of power, all while invigorating the local economies and unlocking new potential for both direct and indirect revenue streams. Projects like Blevins not only benefit Texas with a clean energy solution, but they also provide reliability and security for the overall electrical grid,” said Blake Nixon, President of National Grid Renewables.

Bristol Myers Squibb’s (BMS) longstanding commitment to environmental responsibility includes working with partners to help achieve its goals. For this project, Bristol Myers Squibb worked with Edison Energy, LLC as an independent advisor, providing renewables market expertise and analytics support, which allowed BMS to assess long-term implications of its investment.

“Environmental sustainability is an important component of our business strategy and embedded within our enterprise operations,” said Danielle Menture, Vice President, Environment, Occupational Health, Safety and Sustainability at Bristol Myers Squibb. “This agreement is another critical step in our journey towards achieving our goal of 100% purchased electricity from renewable sources and supporting the move toward cleaner energy.”

Fujifilm engaged World Kinect Energy Services to identify renewable energy projects that would accelerate their corporate strategy to cover 100% of the company’s total electricity consumption with green energy in the United States and Canada. A great example of the power of partnerships, this project is the culmination of the creative and collaborative work from all involved and helps build momentum for Fujifilm’s achievement of their renewable energy and CO2 emissions reduction goals.

“Fujifilm strives to be a company that contributes to solving society’s greatest challenges, including addressing climate change through our business strategy and operations,” said Chisato Yoshizawa, Director and Corporate Vice President, General Manager of Corporate Communications Division and General Manager of ESG Division, FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation. “This Power Purchase Agreement is aligned with our policy, which emphasizes securing a stable supply of renewable electricity with additionality.”

About National Grid Renewables

National Grid Renewables develops, owns and operates large-scale renewable energy assets across the United States, including solar, wind, and energy storage. As a farmer-founded and community-focused business, National Grid Renewables repowers America’s electricity grid by reigniting local economies and reinvesting in a sustainable, clean energy future. National Grid Renewables 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 LinkedIn.

Solar farm

Ohio PJM project located in Ross and Pickaway Counties

Minneapolis, MN (October 3, 2023) – National Grid Renewables announced today the start of operations of Amazon Solar Farm Ohio – Yellowbud (Yellowbud), a 274 megawatt (MW) solar project located in Ross and Pickaway Counties, Ohio. Located in the PJM market, Yellowbud has an executed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Amazon for the solar farm.

“Amazon is deeply committed to the state of Ohio, where we’re investing in and scaling new renewable energy projects like Yellowbud that will help power our operations with 100% renewable energy, while also bringing new jobs, economic benefits, and new sources of clean energy to local communities,” said Amazon Head of Energy, Water and Sustainability, Nat Sahlstrom. “We’re eager to continue contributing to Ohio’s economic and environmental goals as part of Amazon’s commitment to become a more sustainable business.”

In recognition of this milestone, National Grid Renewables and Amazon hosted community members and local media for a tour of Yellowbud so they could see first-hand how the project is making a positive impact on the local community and throughout the state of Ohio. During operations, Yellowbud is estimated to generate $90 million in tax revenue, jobs, landowner income and charitable initiatives.

Yellowbud solar
Play Video about Yellowbud solar

Additionally, the project continually seeks ways to support local organizations and businesses, with a focus on hiring locally whenever possible. Examples of this commitment can be seen in the project’s work with local landscape company, Optimal Outdoor Solutions, who recently secured a contract for mowing on the project site, and the employment of a longtime area resident as the onsite plant manager. Yellowbud’s support has extended to the local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters via charitable donations, as well as the Yellowbud PILOT program with Ohio University Chillicothe, both of which benefit children and students across the state.

“Many in our areas have seen the recent local growth of the solar industry through projects like Yellowbud, and they are eager to learn more about energy innovations,” said Roberta Milliken, Dean of Campus and Community Relations at Ohio University Chillicothe. “Our partnership with National Grid Renewables enables us to find ways to bring the conversation about renewable energies to our students and to also equip teachers with relevant and beneficial information about it.”

People standing with hard hats at the start of operations at Amazon Solar Farm Ohio - Yellowbud

“Yellowbud represents a long-standing commitment to bring renewable energy and economic benefit to Ohio residents,” said Blake Nixon, President of National Grid Renewables. “It’s both rewarding and exciting to see the project reach this pivotal point. We are proud to work with customers like Amazon, who share our community-focused values and not only help to bring clean, solar resources onto the electric grid, but also support our efforts to maximize a project’s local economic and social benefits.”

About National Grid Renewables

National Grid Renewables develops, owns and operates large-scale renewable energy assets across the United States, including solar, wind, and energy storage. As a farmer-founded and community-focused business, National Grid Renewables repowers America’s electricity grid by reigniting local economies and reinvesting in a sustainable, clean energy future. National Grid Renewables 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 LinkedIn.

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