News Archives - Page 2 of 5 - National Grid Renewables

January 25, 2024September 20, 2023 by Shane Hacker

Community Fund donations from Noble Solar & Storage Project in Denton County

Minneapolis, MN (September 20, 2023) – Today, National Grid Renewables announced its pledge to donate $1.1 million to Denton County, Texas school districts and fire departments through its Noble Solar and Storage Project (Noble). Noble is an operating 275 megawatt (MW) solar, 125 megawatt-hour (MWh) storage project located in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) market, approximately 45 minutes north of Dallas.

Noble will support the Noble Community Fund via annual donations to the Krum Fire Department, Sanger Fire Department, Greenwood-Slidell Volunteer Fire Department, Sanger Independent School District, and Krum Independent School District.

“We are grateful for the collaboration and the opportunity to work with National Grid Renewables, especially given the rising costs of firefighting equipment and training,” said Adam North, Assistant Fire Chief with the Krum Fire Department. “This collaboration will enable us to better serve the community by funding equipment and training to support our mission. We sincerely appreciate their continued support.”

The first annual distributions from the Noble Community Fund will be delivered to all five organizations this fall. The total donation amount is an estimated $1.1 million, provided through annual charitable funding of $55,000 over a twenty-year period. Funds are distributed through the Communities Foundation of Texas, a statewide nonprofit organization.

“At National Grid Renewables, we believe that we have a responsibility to be good stewards within our project communities, which includes playing a role in the economic vitality of our host communities throughout rural America,” said Blake Nixon, President of National Grid Renewables. “We know that oftentimes, the schools and local emergency services are at the heart of many of these communities, and we’re proud to continue the tradition of investing in their growth and success.”

As part of its community-focused and farmer-founded roots, 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. To learn more about National Grid Renewables’ 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-friendly 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 Twitter or LinkedIn

January 25, 2024July 28, 2023 by Shane Hacker

People at Wild Springs solar event next to buses

128 MW project poised to be largest in South Dakota, currently under construction in Pennington County.

Minneapolis, MN (July 31, 2023) – Showcasing the environmental, social and economic benefits of solar energy projects, National Grid Renewables hosted the “Solar Does Good” community event at its 128 megawatt (MW) Wild Springs Solar Project in Pennington County, South Dakota last week. The event brought together local community members, landowners, customers and partners in celebration of the project’s construction, as well as its associated benefits for local and state communities.

The community-focused event kicked off with a welcome from Blake Nixon, President of National Grid Renewables. “We’re excited to be celebrating construction with our New Underwood landowners, neighbors and community members. Wild Springs presents an exciting opportunity to expand our footprint in South Dakota and our commitment to bring clean energy resources to its residents.”

Watch event video

Wild Springs announced construction in early 2023 and is projected to be the largest solar energy project in the state to-date. Once operational, Wild Springs is anticipated to avoid 190,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually – the equivalent of removing roughly 42,000 cars from the road for one year.¹ The project also expects to produce nearly $12 million in new tax revenue and donate over $500,000 through an Education Fund.

The highlight of the “Solar Does Good” event featured booths with representatives from several local community organizations, as well as the opportunity for event attendees to join National Grid Renewables in contributing to local fundraising initiatives. In total, National Grid Renewables donated $30,000 to these local organizations, furthering its charitable contribution to the local community.

“National Grid Renewables and their partners have been responsible and courteous newcomers to our local community,” said Caleb Dustman, Chief of the New Underwood Volunteer Fire Department. “From helping to improve one of the town’s municipal wells, to routing all construction traffic away from residential areas… With that kind of responsibility, I look forward to working with them in the years to come.”

Also present were executives from Basin Electric Power Cooperative (Basin) (project customer), First Solar (module provider) and Ames Construction (construction partner), who took a moment to address guests at the event.

“We are excited to add Wild Springs Solar to our total generating portfolio of over 7,000 megawatts, which blends together affordable and reliable generation into an all-of-the-above energy strategy to meet the needs of our member cooperatives over the coming decades,” said Todd Brickhouse, Basin Electric Interim Chief Executive Officer and General Manager.
“Wild Springs represents a special opportunity to expand our footprint close to home, while helping develop an exciting and evolving renewable energy market in South Dakota” said Patrick Fairl, Project Executive at Ames. “The project will employ over 250 crewmembers during the course of construction, many of whom will come right from the local communities.”
“We’re pleased that our responsibly-produced Series 6 Plus solar module technology will power Wild Springs,” said Georges Antoun, Chief Commercial Officer at First Solar. “The commitment of National Grid Renewables to American Solar supports innovation and the growth of domestic manufacturing by providing a substantial demand driver. The result isn’t only the value generated by deploying solar energy projects at scale, but also the jobs and economic value created by investments in domestic manufacturing and supply chains.”

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January 25, 2024July 24, 2023 by Shane Hacker

Minneapolis, MN (July 24, 2023) – Today, National Grid Renewables announced its pledge to donate over $500,000 to the New Underwood, South Dakota School District, sourced from its 128 megawatt (MW) Wild Springs Solar Project (Wild Springs or the project) located in Pennington County, South Dakota. The new Wild Springs Education Fund will be administered by the New Underwood Area Community Foundation, a local fund governed by the South Dakota Community Foundation.

“The New Underwood School District appreciates the pledge of $25,000 per year for 20 years provided by the Wild Springs Education Fund,” said Katie Albers, Superintendent of the New Underwood School District. “The district will use these funds in a variety of ways to benefit our students, school and community.”

National Grid Renewables initiates charitable funds for each of its large-scale renewable energy projects and commences funding of its pledge once the project achieves commercial operation. These charitable funds are intended to provide additional assistance to community activities and opportunities within the local host communities. These gifts donated by the charitable funds are above and beyond any tax revenue delivered by National Grid Renewables’ projects.

“We are incredibly proud of the local community benefits resulting from these charitable funds,” said Joe Ibrahim, Vice President of Construction and Engineering at National Grid Renewables. “When we construct a clean energy project, we are laying down roots in a community – and we take our role as a good neighbor seriously. We have the opportunity and the responsibility to give back and be a positive impact on both the residents and the local economy.”

Wild Springs announced construction in early 2023 and is projected to be the largest solar energy project in the state to-date. Once operational, Wild Springs is anticipated to avoid 190,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually – the equivalent to removing roughly 42,000 cars from the road for one year. The project also expects to produce nearly $12 million in new tax revenue throughout the first 20 years of operation.

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April 8, 2024June 15, 2023 by Shane Hacker

Minneapolis, MN (June 14, 2023) – National Grid Renewables received recognition for its excellence in workplace safety and health during the 2023 Minnesota Safety and Health Conference. In May, National Grid Renewables was among 210 employers to be honored through the awards program, coordinated by the Minnesota Safety Council.

“Congratulations to National Grid Renewables for their hard work, attention and dedication to safety,” said Paul Aasen, president of the Minnesota Safety Council. “Keeping people safe and achieving award-winning performance is no accident. It takes everyone from the front line to executive leadership to help people work safe, drive safe and live safe.”

Since 1934, the annual Governor’s Safety Awards program has honored Minnesota employers with exceptional safety performance. Applicants are judged on several years of injury data as it compares with their industry’s national statistics and on their progress in implementing a comprehensive safety program.

Zach Chamberlain (center) from National Grid Renewables accepts the award with representatives from the MN Safety Council.

Winners are recognized at three levels:

Meritorious Achievement (84 winners): Incidence rates that are better than the industry average for at least three years, and a score between 50 and 74 on a 100-point safety program evaluation scale.
Outstanding Achievement (81 winners): Continuing improvement and/or a continuing outstanding record with incident rates that are 51%-90% better than the industry average, and a score between 75 and 90 on the safety program evaluation scale.
Award of Honor (45 winners): Incidence rates at least 91% better than the industry average, and a score between 91 and 100 on the safety program evaluation scale.

National Grid Renewables received an Award of Honor for Excellence in Workplace Safety. “We’re honored to receive this award,” said Gemma Smith, Vice President of S.H.E. Risk and Compliance. “Here at National Grid Renewables, we truly believe that safety is one of our core values. While our safety team helps promote this value, it’s our leadership and field teams that help make it a reality. This award recognizes all the work that our entire team has put into safety, from daily stretches and job briefs to long conversations walking through how we are performing the jobs, and recognizing team members for making tough calls and stopping the job when something doesn’t seem right.”

The Minnesota Safety Council, founded in 1928, is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Minnesota by preventing unintentional injuries on the road, at work, at home, and in the community.

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January 25, 2024January 10, 2023 by Shane Hacker

Onsite Construction Begins on Largest Solar Energy Project in South Dakota

128 MW Wild Springs Solar in Pennington County has PPA with Basin Electric Power Cooperative

Minneapolis, MN (January 10, 2023) – National Grid Renewables announced today the start of onsite field construction at its Wild Springs Solar Project (Wild Springs) in Pennington County, South Dakota. Wild Springs, the largest solar energy project in South Dakota to-date, is a 128 megawatt (MWac) solar project located in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) with a 114 MW Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Basin Electric Power Cooperative (Basin Electric).

“Wild Springs represents a continuation of our leadership in renewable energy and economic development in the state of South Dakota,” commented Blake Nixon, President, National Grid Renewables. “Our Crocker Wind Farm located in Clark County began operation in 2019, and now with Wild Springs, we will have nearly 330 MW of clean energy projects in the state, all of which contribute significantly to the tax base, as well as the local communities that host the projects.”
“The construction of the Wild Springs Solar Project will be a great addition to South Dakota,” said Steve Westra, Commissioner, South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).

Wild Springs is anticipated to begin commercial operation in 2023 and is currently poised to be the largest solar energy project in the state of South Dakota. Once operational, Wild Springs is projected to avoid 190,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually and is estimated to produce $12 million in new tax revenue throughout the first 20 years of operation. Unique to National Grid Renewables, Wild Springs anticipates donating over $500,000 during the first 20 years of operation to the local community through a planned charitable fund.

Wild Springs selected Ames Construction as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) partner to construct the Wild Springs facility. The Renewables Group leadership at Ames Construction has over ten years of experience building solar projects across the United States. Ames Construction estimates the need to employ 250 construction workers to complete this major infrastructure project.

“Ames appreciates National Grid Renewables’ confidence in being selected as their EPC partner,” commented Craig Sandeen, Ames Renewables’ President. “We’re excited to be a part of building South Dakota’s largest solar project!”

Wild Springs will utilize next-generation Series 6 thin film solar modules developed and produced by First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR). Recently, First Solar and National Grid Renewables announced a 2 gigawatt (GW) supply of solar modules scheduled for delivery 2024-2025.

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January 25, 2024November 29, 2022 by Shane Hacker

Commercial Operation Commences at National Grid Renewables’ Noble Solar & Storage Project

Minneapolis, MN (November 29, 2022) – National Grid Renewables announced today the start of commercial operation at its Noble Solar and Storage Project (Noble) in Denton County, Texas. Noble is a 275 megawatt (MW) solar and 125 megawatt-hour (MWh) energy storage project located in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) market that began construction last year.

“With the start of operation at our Noble project, National Grid Renewables brings online our first utility-scale energy storage project, as well as our largest solar energy project to-date,” stated Blake Nixon, President, National Grid Renewables. “Clean energy projects like Noble are tangible examples of how National Grid Renewables’ commitment to doing the right thing benefits local and global communities both economically and environmentally.”

Watch video

Noble is projected to avoid 450,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually during operation and is estimated to produce $26 million in new tax revenue throughout the first 20 years of operation. During peak construction, Noble utilized 600 construction workers and now employs the equivalent of six full-time operations and maintenance workers. A community event celebrating the project’s estimated economic and environmental impacts was hosted last year with project customers and partners.

The Home Depot and NRG Energy, Inc. have each executed individual 100 MW solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), and The Hershey Company has contracted for a 50 MW solar PPA for Noble.

“The Home Depot is proud of our efforts to reduce our carbon emissions,” said Ron Jarvis, Chief Sustainability Officer for The Home Depot. “This partnership will further our renewable energy capacity, as we work towards our pledge of producing or procuring 100 percent renewable electricity equivalent to the electricity needs for all Home Depot facilities by 2030.”
“Power plays a significant role in decarbonizing our economy, and we are proud to stand together with other corporate leaders as we bring new renewable developments online,” said Robert Gaudette, Executive Vice President of NRG Business. “We look forward to bringing more energy solutions to our customers and our communities as we all embark down a more sustainable and resilient path.”
“Noble and similar solar projects make a meaningful impact toward achieving our ambitious science-based targets,” said Leigh Horner, Vice President of Global Sustainability and Corporate Communications at The Hershey Company. “Through continued investment in solar energy and other initiatives, we’re on track to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by more than 50 percent and Scope 3 by 25 percent by 2030.”

Noble utilizes next-generation Series 6 thin film solar modules developed and produced by First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR). Recently, First Solar and National Grid Renewables announced a 2 gigawatt (GW) supply of solar modules scheduled for delivery 2024-2025.

Adam Smith, First Solar’s Vice President of Global Business Development, said, “As America’s solar company, we’re proud that our technology will power this project, which, in turn, will power businesses and communities in Texas. This is yet another milestone in our journey with National Grid Renewables, and we thank them for their continued trust in our technology.”

Noble also utilizes Fluence Energy’s (Nasdaq: FLNC) sixth-generation Gridstack™ product for energy storage and was constructed by Signal Energy.

“We are honored to be a part of National Grid Renewables’ first utility-scale solar plus energy storage project to help deliver clean and reliable energy in the ERCOT market,” said John Zahurancik, SVP & President of Americas at Fluence. “This project is a great example of how solar plus storage deployments deliver impactful environmental benefits and reliable energy. We are proud to stand alongside leaders like National Grid Renewables, working shoulder to shoulder with energy users and suppliers to support the clean energy transition.”
“The Noble project is a great example of what can be accomplished with the right partners that share the same vision,” stated Ryan Johnson, President of Signal Energy. “Signal is truly humbled to be a part of this monumental project that helps create a sustainable energy future.”

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January 25, 2024October 18, 2022 by Shane Hacker

Groundbreaking event held at ERCOT Copperhead Solar & Storage Project in Falls County, Texas

Minneapolis, MN (October 19, 2022) – National Grid Renewables hosted project partners and landowners to celebrate the start of construction at its Copperhead Solar & Storage Project (Copperhead), a 150 megawatt (MW) solar and 100 MWh megawatt hour (MWh) storage project in Falls County, Texas. During the groundbreaking event, National Grid Renewables also announced a 140 megawatt (MW) Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with The Hershey Company for Copperhead, marking the second PPA between The Hershey Company and National Grid Renewables after The Hershey Company’s Noble solar PPA was announced in 2021. Edison Energy, a global sustainability and energy advisory firm, worked with The Hershey Company on its environmental initiatives and selection of National Grid Renewables’ Copperhead.

Watch event video

Copperhead is projected to produce an estimated $25 million in direct economic impact throughout its first 25 years of operation, including the production of new tax revenue, onsite operations jobs, and the creation of a charitable fund estimated at $600,000. Using the United States’ Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator, the project is estimated to offset carbon dioxide emissions by 250,000 metric tons annually.

“Together with customers like The Hershey Company, National Grid Renewables is helping to build a clean, fair and affordable energy future,” stated Blake Nixon, President for National Grid Renewables. “Projects like Copperhead promote sustainability and economic vitality at both global and local levels. Communities like those in the Falls County, Texas area can anticipate economic benefits for years to come as a result of welcoming renewable energy projects. With Copperhead, our commitment to the state of Texas and the ERCOT market remains strong, and we look forward to bringing this project to commercial operation to benefit local and statewide residents.”

“We have ambitious goals to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by more than 50 percent and Scope 3 emissions by 25 percent by 2030 as part of our science-based targets,” said Mark Kline, Director, Commodities and Specialty Procurement at The Hershey Company. “We’re making great progress toward achieving those goals thanks to projects like Copperhead and the great work of National Grid Renewables.”

As announced in its recently released ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Report, Hershey is on track to achieve its greenhouse gas emissions targets, having reported a 48 percent reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions against a 2018 baseline and a 18% reduction in Scope 3. The company’s investment in three solar farm projects – two of which are through National Grid Renewables – plays a large role in the progress thus far.

Copperhead will utilize next-generation Series 6 thin film solar modules developed and produced by First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR), a 100 MWh megawatt hour (MWh) Fluence Gridstack™ battery energy storage system by Fluence Energy, Inc., and is being constructed by TIC—The Industrial Company, a subsidiary of Kiewit and industry-leading engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor.

“As America’s solar company, we are proud that Copperhead will be powered by our responsibly produced, ultra-low carbon photovoltaic solar technology, designed and developed here in the United States,” said Darin Green, senior director, Business Development, First Solar. “Our thin film solar technology has the lowest carbon and water footprint of any commercially available PV technology today, while our integrated manufacturing process and tightly controlled supply chain allow for industry-leading transparency and traceability.”

“We are honored to work alongside National Grid Renewables, and The Hershey Company on their second utility-scale solar plus energy storage project in the ERCOT market,” said John Zahurancik, SVP & President of Americas at Fluence. “This project is a great example of how solar plus storage deployments deliver impactful environmental benefits and reliable energy, along with local economic workforce development. Projects like this position us to influence global sustainability and provide tangible local community impact.”

“We are proud to be a part of the Copperhead Solar & Storage Project and ready to get to work in designing and building the system,” said Mike Gammill, Vice President of solar operations for TIC. “National Grid Renewables is making tremendous strides in advancing solar power generation, bringing a clean, reliable energy source to Falls County, Texas that will have a positive lasting impact on the community.”

About National Grid Renewables

National Grid Renewables, part of the 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 energy storage. As a farmer-friendly and community-focused business, National Grid Renewables seeks to repower 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 Twitter or LinkedIn.

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Zach Chamberlain (center) from National Grid Renewables accepts the award with representatives from the MN Safety Council.

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Onsite Construction Begins on Largest Solar Energy Project in South Dakota

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Commercial Operation Commences at National Grid Renewables’ Noble Solar & Storage Project

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Groundbreaking event held at ERCOT Copperhead Solar & Storage Project in Falls County, Texas

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