News Archives - Page 3 of 5 - National Grid Renewables

January 25, 2024September 27, 2022 by Bree Carlson

National Grid Renewables Pledges Over $1 Million Charitable Giving to Ohio Communities

Yellowbud Community Fund part of National Grid Renewables’ 274 MW Yellowbud Solar Project.

Minneapolis, MN (September 28, 2022) – Today, National Grid Renewables announced its pledge to donate over $1 million to the Ohio communities of Ross and Pickaway Counties through its 274 megawatt (MW) Yellowbud Solar Project (Yellowbud or the project). Yellowbud will support the Yellowbud Community Fund via annual donations of approximately $54,800 over a twenty-year period and will work with The Chillicothe-Ross Community Foundation (CRCF), a local nonprofit organization, to distribute the funds.

“We are thrilled to partner with Yellowbud Solar to enhance the quality of life in the Ross and Pickaway communities,” stated Scott Graham, Executive Director for CRCF. “It’s not just power that Yellowbud Solar provides; the Yellowbud Community Fund will annually support nonprofit organizations and schools operating in Ross and Pickaway Counties.”

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 Yellowbud Community Fund donations are available via grant application for schools, government agencies, and charitable 501(c)3 organizations located in Ross and Pickaway Counties. CRCF will facilitate and manage the grant application process on behalf of Yellowbud. The Yellowbud Community Fund will gift its first donation from Yellowbud approximately one year after the project reaches commercial operation. Yellowbud, which is currently under construction, is anticipated to begin operation in 2023 and intends to make its first annual donation in 2024.

“Giving back to our project communities is core to our business values, and we are excited to be able to support the community members in Ross and Pickaway Counties through the Yellowbud Community Fund,” stated Blake Nixon, President, National Grid Renewables. “With the Yellowbud Community Fund, National Grid Renewables has now pledged over $8 million in charitable funding.”

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.

January 25, 2024August 15, 2022 by Bree Carlson

National Grid Renewables Celebrates American Clean Power Week with Tours of First Solar Manufacturing Plant and Ohio Solar Project

Customers, partners, and community members gather to learn about solar energy’s economic benefits.

Minneapolis, MN (August 15, 2022) – As part of American Clean Power Week 2022, National Grid Renewables hosted a two-day event to educate visitors on the economic benefits that solar energy projects provide national, state, and local communities.

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Customers, partners, and community members first assembled for a tour of National Grid Renewables’ Yellowbud Solar Project, a 274 megawatt (MW) project located in Ross and Pickaway counties, Ohio that is currently under construction.

“The Yellowbud Solar Project currently employs over 550 onsite construction workers and is anticipated to produce $90 million in tax revenue, landowner income, local spending, and charitable funding throughout the first twenty years of operation,” commented Blake Nixon, President of National Grid Renewables. “Across the nation, solar energy projects like Yellowbud Solar are providing significant positive economic impact on local, statewide, and national economies.”

Event guests were then invited on a tour of the First Solar manufacturing plant in Toledo, where attendees learned how First Solar modules are built, packaged, and shipped. Experts from across the industry discussed solar energy projects and the benefits they offer the economy.

“First Solar joins National Grid Renewables in celebrating a remarkable Midwestern project that sources modules that utilize U.S. technology to benefit the local community with renewable solar energy,” said Georges Antoun, First Solar’s Chief Commercial Officer. “A testament to the value of American solar manufacturing, the project exemplifies a sustainable energy model for the future of Ohio – as well any community that wishes to spur job growth, economic impact, and renewable energy security. The Yellowbud Solar Project is a fantastic achievement for the community, and First Solar is proud to have supplied our responsibly sourced modules to support its success.”
“We appreciate the opportunity to join National Grid Renewables in commemorating American Clean Power Week and to see the incredible progress that has been made to further utilize solar power in Ohio,” said Mike Gammill, Vice President for Kiewit Power Constructors Co., the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor for the Yellowbud Solar Project. “We are proud to serve as the EPC contractor and to contribute to the ongoing innovation and collaboration that is driving its success.”

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January 25, 2024July 14, 2022 by National Grid Renewables

MISO-IL project’s Education Fund to donate ~$720,000 over next 20 years

Minneapolis, MN (July 14, 2022) –Alongside community members, project customers and partners, National Grid Renewables hosted a community celebration and Stuff-the-Bus event yesterday at the Prairie Wolf Solar Project (Prairie Wolf) in Coles County, Illinois. The event celebrated the 200 megawatt (MW) project and the social and economic benefits it provides the local community and school district. As part of the celebration and Stuff-the-Bus event, a school bus was brought to the project site and donations were collected and placed inside the bus to support the local Kansas School District. Items collected and donated by project partners, customers and community members included backpacks, sports equipment, calculators, writing utensils, classroom supplies and more. The Stuff-the-Bus event highlights the purpose of the Prairie Wolf Education Fund, which is funded by National Grid Renewables and is estimated to contribute $720,000 over the next 20 years to the local Kansas School District. The Prairie Wolf Education Fund is just one example of how National Grid Renewables prioritizes charitable giving and often implements charitable funds for the projects it owns and operates to benefit local community members.

“We are so fortunate to have a progressive company such as National Grid Renewables in our area,” stated Cindy Spencer, Kansas School District Superintendent. “This is an adventure with solar panels that will acclimate our students to the future of electricity. National Grid Renewables and their staff have been supportive and generous throughout this entire project.”

“The Prairie Wolf Solar Project demonstrates National Grid Renewables’ commitment to invest in the American economy, give back to local communities, and help build a more sustainable, clean energy future,” stated Blake Nixon, President of National Grid Renewables. “Thank you to the residents of Coles County for welcoming us into your community.”

To watch a short film of the event, please click here. Prairie Wolf announced commercial operation in December 2021 and is estimated to avoid 285,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually*. Prairie Wolf employed 250 workers during peak construction and now employs 5 onsite operations and maintenance staff members. The project is estimated to contribute $16 million in tax revenue over the first 20 years of operation. Prairie Wolf has a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with Cargill, marking the second renewable energy VPPA contracted between Cargill and National Grid Renewables, the first being for a portion of the Crocker Wind Farm in Clark County, South Dakota.

“Cargill is committed to mitigating the pressing issue of climate change and its impacts on our global food system. One of the ways we are doing this is by financially participating in renewable energy sources, such as the Prairie Wolf Solar Project,” stated Eric Hoegger, Director, Global Renewable Energy for Cargill. “Not only will the Prairie Wolf Solar Project play a vital role in helping us reduce our greenhouse gas emissions while contributing to the renewable economy, but we are also honored to contribute to the positive impact it will have on the Coles County community and surrounding counties where Cargill operates multiple plant locations.”

Prairie Wolf utilizes next-generation Series 6 thin film solar modules developed and produced by First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR). SOLV Energy, formerly known as Swinerton Renewable Energy, constructed Prairie Wolf, and NovaSource Power Services provides operations and maintenance services for the project.

*Calculated using the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator.

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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 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 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, 2024December 16, 2021 by Dan Baruch

Project will contribute millions to local and state economies through tax revenue, landowner income, and jobs

Minneapolis, MN (December 17, 2021) – Today, National Grid Renewables announced the start of commercial operation for its Prairie Wolf Solar Project (Prairie Wolf), located in Coles County, Illinois. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) located project boasts 200 megawatts (MW) of clean solar power and is contracted through a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with Cargill. Prairie Wolf utilizes next-generation Series 6 thin film solar modules developed and produced by First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) and was constructed by SOLV Energy, formerly known as Swinerton Renewable Energy.

At the peak of construction, Prairie Wolf employed approximately 300 onsite workers. During operation, in addition to new onsite operations and maintenance jobs, Prairie Wolf will benefit local and statewide economies through the production of millions of dollars in new tax revenue and landowner income.

“With the start of operations at the Prairie Wolf Solar site, National Grid Renewables continues to deliver upon its commitment to repower America with clean, economically beneficial renewable energy,” commented David Reamer, Head of Development, US Onshore Renewables for National Grid Renewables. “Thank you to our project customer and partners, as well as the community members, who supported Prairie Wolf and enabled enormous benefit to the local economy and farming community.”

Announced earlier this year, Prairie Wolf will also fund a charitable Education Fund for the local school district. “This development will benefit the county in many ways, including donations through grants to organizations and schools throughout the county,” commented Stan Metzger, Coles County Board Member.

Using the United States’ Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator, Prairie Wolf is projected to offset carbon dioxide emissions by 285,000 metric tons annually during operations.

“Cargill is committed to mitigating the pressing issue of climate change and its impacts on our global food system. One of the ways we are doing this is by financially participating in renewable energy sources, such as the Prairie Wolf Solar Project,” stated Eric Hoegger, Director, Global Renewable Energy for Cargill. “Not only will the Prairie Wolf Solar Project play a vital role in helping us reduce our greenhouse gas emissions while contributing to the renewable economy, we’re also honored to contribute to the positive impact it will have on the Coles county community and surrounding counties where Cargill operates multiple plant locations.”

Announced earlier this month, tax equity financing for Prairie Wolf was provided by Bank of America.

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About National Grid Renewables

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 energy 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.

January 25, 2024December 7, 2021 by Dan Baruch

National Grid Renewables Secures $98 Million in Tax Equity Financing from Bank of America for 200 MW Prairie Wolf Solar Project

Minneapolis, MN (December 7, 2021) – National Grid Renewables announced today the closing of $98 million in tax equity financing from Bank of America to support its Prairie Wolf Solar Project (Prairie Wolf or the project). Prairie Wolf is a 200 megawatt (MW) solar energy project located in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) market that began construction earlier this year in Coles County, Illinois. Bank of America is the sole tax equity investor for the project.

“Financing partnerships play an important role in accelerating the growth of renewable energy projects and their associated economic benefits, as well as the decarbonization of the United States energy grid,” stated Blake Nixon, President of National Grid Renewables. “In just two years, National Grid Renewables has raised over $550M in tax equity investments in support of the company’s buildout of renewable generation facilities, and we look forward to energizing additional projects to further benefit local, state and national economies.”

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.

“We are pleased to support the growth of solar energy and help expand more clean energy solutions for communities across the U.S. The financing of the Prairie Wolf Solar Project will help bring much needed renewable energy to the grid in this region and support a more sustainable community,” said Todd Karas, managing director, Renewable Energy Finance at Bank of America.

Since 2007, Bank of America has deployed more than $200 billion to low-carbon, sustainable business activities. Earlier this year, it committed an additional $1 trillion in financing by 2030 to environmental transition. Since 2015, Bank of America has been a top renewable energy tax equity investor and lender in the U.S.

About National Grid Renewables

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.

January 25, 2024October 28, 2021 by Dan Baruch

Project currently under construction in Denton County, Texas – will contribute millions in economic benefit

Minneapolis, MN (October 28, 2021) – As part of the first annual American Clean Power Week, National Grid Renewables hosted a community event at the Noble Solar and Storage Project (Noble) in Denton County, Texas to celebrate the project’s economic and environmental benefits with community members, landowners, customers, and partners. In attendance were executives from National Grid Renewables and two of the solar project’s previously announced power purchasers, The Hershey Company and NRG Energy. Additionally, Signal Energy (the project’s construction partner), First Solar (the project’s module supplier), and Fluence (the project’s energy storage provider) were in attendance, as well as representatives from Powering Texas.

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Noble, which is currently under construction with an estimated commercial operation date of 2022, consists of 275 megawatts (MW) of solar and 125 MW of battery storage. Using the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator, Noble is projected to offset carbon dioxide emissions by 450,000 metric tons annually during operation.

“Not only will the Noble Project benefit our environment, but it will also benefit our economy,” commented Blake Nixon, President for National Grid Renewables. “We anticipate over 475 workers will help build Noble, and millions of dollars will be pumped into the local and state communities during construction. Additionally, throughout the first 20 years of operation, Noble is projected to benefit Denton County and the state of Texas through the creation of approximately $30 million in new tax revenue, several on-site operations and maintenance jobs, and over $1 million in donations funded by Noble through a local charitable initiative.”

“Hershey recognizes the importance of companies reducing their GHG emissions to help protect the environment, and we have made strong commitments to science-based reduction targets to do our part,” said Mark Kline, Senior Manager, Nut & Energy Sourcing, Global Commodities Hershey. “Transitioning our operations to clean and renewable energy is one way we will help achieve our substantial reduction commitments, and the Noble project is a key initiative in our drive to shift to clean energy.”

“NRG has a long-standing commitment to reducing carbon emissions,” said Lynda Clemmons, Vice President, NRG Energy, Inc. “Through the collaboration of local communities and use of renewable energy, we are excited to create a sustainable energy future for our customers.”

Noble will utilize next-generation Series 6 thin film solar modules developed and produced by First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR), Fluence’s sixth-generation Gridstack™ product, and is being constructed by Signal Energy.

“We are excited for the opportunity to partner with National Grid Renewables on the Noble project. National Grid Renewables’ commitment to educating and serving the communities impacted by this project aligns with the core principles that is the soul of our company,” said Ryan Johnson, President of Signal Energy. “We look forward to furthering our partnership with National Grid Renewables and to being good neighbors to the people of Denton County, Texas.”

“The selection of First Solar’s uniquely American solar technology completes the circle of local, regional, and national economic impact that Noble represents,” said Darin Green, Senior Director, Americas at First Solar. “With our responsibly produced and advanced solar technology, Noble is positioned to deliver decades of clean energy to surrounding communities, while helping drive jobs in America’s heartland. First Solar is proud to supply its Series 6 modules alongside valued partners, and we look forward to further growing our partnership with National Grid Renewables to create a sustainable energy future.”

“We are proud to support National Grid Renewables’ Noble project with industry-leading energy storage technology that will help make the electric system cleaner and more resilient,” said John Zahurancik, President, Americas for Fluence. “A uniquely flexible asset, energy storage delivers value to both the electric grid and consumers by enabling greater use of renewable energy and also providing additional critical grid services.”

About National Grid Renewables

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.

January 25, 2024September 15, 2021 by Dan Baruch

Charitable Education Fund part of National Grid Renewables’ 200 MW Prairie Wolf Solar Project

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.”

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.”

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About National Grid Renewables

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 Pledges Over $1 Million Charitable Giving to Ohio Communities

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National Grid Renewables Celebrates American Clean Power Week with Tours of First Solar Manufacturing Plant and Ohio Solar Project

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MISO-IL project’s Education Fund to donate ~$720,000 over next 20 years

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Project will contribute millions to local and state economies through tax revenue, landowner income, and jobs

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National Grid Renewables Secures $98 Million in Tax Equity Financing from Bank of America for 200 MW Prairie Wolf Solar Project

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Project currently under construction in Denton County, Texas – will contribute millions in economic benefit

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Charitable Education Fund part of National Grid Renewables’ 200 MW Prairie Wolf Solar Project

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