Author: Jane Briones

Entergy Arkansas Powers Up with 100MW Walnut Bend Solar Plant, Boosting Clean Energy for the State

Entergy Arkansas has officially brought its newest solar power project, the 100MW Walnut Bend Solar Energy Center, online! Located in Lee County, Arkansas, the Walnut Bend facility is set to generate clean, renewable energy for thousands of homes and businesses, marking a significant step in the utility’s green energy journey.  The project was acquired from Invenergy, a leader in clean energy development, which spearheaded the design, engineering, and construction of the facility. Entergy Arkansas President and CEO Laura Landreaux highlighted the impact of this addition, noting, “Walnut Bend is a valuable part of our generation fleet, complementing our diverse energy mix that has powered Arkansas for over a century.”

Cutting-Edge Solar Technology

Walnut Bend Solar isn’t just any solar farm—it features bifacial solar panels and advanced sun-tracking technology. These bifacial panels capture sunlight on both sides, utilizing the reflected light from the ground to enhance efficiency. Paired with a tracking system that tilts the panels throughout the day to follow the sun, this setup maximizes energy output. This cutting-edge tech ensures that Walnut Bend delivers maximum energy production and contributes to keeping rates low for Entergy Arkansas customers. 

A Boost for the Local Economy

The Walnut Bend facility will generate an estimated $700,000 in annual property taxes for Lee County, providing a steady revenue stream to support the local community. Arkansas Senator Ron Caldwell expressed his support, saying, “I am pleased to welcome Walnut Bend Solar to my district.”

Building a Brighter Future

The Walnut Bend Solar Energy Center is the fourth solar facility Entergy Arkansas has brought online, joining Stuttgart Solar (81MW), Chicot Solar (100MW), and Searcy Solar (100MW). Combined, these four facilities generate a powerful 381MW of clean energy, driving the state closer to a sustainable, emission-free energy future. But Entergy Arkansas isn’t stopping there! Later this year, it plans to launch 430MW of additional solar capacity, including West Memphis (180MW) and Driver (250MW). By next year, two more massive projects—Flat Fork (200MW) and Forgeview (200MW)—will come online, pushing Entergy Arkansas’s solar capacity even higher. 

Powering Communities, Preserving the Environment

With a total investment exceeding $300 million and expected net customer benefits of over $170 million throughout the lifespan of these facilities, Entergy is not just generating power—it’s generating value for the entire community. Invenergy’s Chief Development Officer Mick Baird emphasized the significance of this project, stating, “Walnut Bend is another example of our commitment to building successful clean energy solutions and supporting Entergy’s growing solar portfolio.” As the utility brings more solar facilities online, Entergy Arkansas is setting the stage for a brighter, cleaner future for the Natural State, positioning itself as a leader in the renewable energy transition. #SolarPower #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy #Arkansas #EntergyArkansas #Invenergy #Sustainability #GreenTech #SolarInnovation #CleanPower #FutureOfEnergy #BifacialPanels #EnergyEfficiency #ClimateAction #CommunityInvestment #PoweringCommunities

Elawan Energy Partners with Google for 37MW Solar Power Project in Texas

Elawan Energy has just signed a groundbreaking power purchase agreement (PPA) with Google, securing the output from a 37MW solar project in Texas, USA. This exciting deal underscores Google’s ongoing commitment to powering its operations with 100% renewable energy, while also boosting Elawan’s presence in North America. Set to begin operations in 2026, the project is already in an advanced stage of development. The agreement was facilitated through the LevelTen Energy Accelerated Process (LEAP), a platform co-developed by Google and LevelTen Energy to streamline clean energy PPAs. This partnership ensures Google can access reliable, green energy quickly and efficiently—a significant step towards achieving its ambitious sustainability goals. 

For Elawan Energy, this deal marks yet another milestone in its North American expansion. Backed by its parent company Orix, Elawan currently operates 1.8GW of renewable energy projects worldwide, with a staggering 8GW pipeline under development. In the US, Elawan manages over 300MW across the ERCOT, SPP, and PJM regions, and its Houston office is driving local development efforts. This new Texas solar scheme not only strengthens Elawan’s footprint in the region but also aligns with its mission to accelerate the global energy transition. By teaming up with tech giants like Google, Elawan is proving that partnerships between energy innovators and global corporations can play a crucial role in advancing clean energy adoption. This isn’t just a win for Google and Elawan—it’s a win for the planet. With more corporations embracing renewable energy, the momentum is building for a sustainable, low-carbon future. #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #Google #TexasSolar #Sustainability #ElawanEnergy #EnergyTransition #GreenEnergy #TechMeetsSustainability #PowerPurchaseAgreement #ClimateAction #FutureOfEnergy

Sonnedix Expands Italian Presence with Acquisition of 80MW Solar Plant in Sicily

Global solar power leader Sonnedix has taken a major step in expanding its Italian portfolio by acquiring an 80MW solar plant in Sicily from Blunova. This acquisition follows the purchase of three additional sites from Blunova in southern Italy, signaling Sonnedix’s ongoing commitment to growing its presence in the region.But Sonnedix isn’t stopping there. The company has set its sights on six more solar plants, with agreements expected to close by mid-2025. When finalized, these deals will boost Sonnedix’s total operating capacity in Italy to nearly 800MW.  Together, these 10 projects, totaling 250MW, are contracted under Italy’s Gestore dei Servizi Energetici (GSE) FER 1 auction round. This provides Sonnedix’s customers with stable, long-term electricity prices for the next 20 years—offering both energy security and affordability.

Sonnedix’s CEO Axel Thiemann celebrated this latest milestone, stating, “Today’s announcement is a major achievement in our growth strategy for Italy. By acquiring these plants, we’re on track to double our operating capacity, while delivering clean, affordable, and reliable energy to Italian consumers.” With deep expertise in the Italian market, Sonnedix is well-positioned to optimize and expand its renewable energy projects. The company’s proven track record and strong local partnerships make it the ideal owner of these assets. Sonnedix’s head of growth for Italy, Giuseppe Maronna, emphasized the importance of these acquisitions, noting, “The acquisition of these 10 plants is key to our growth strategy in Italy, providing customers with fixed, long-term prices for renewable energy.” He also highlighted the company’s ongoing partnership with Carlo Maresca Group, which will play a pivotal role in accelerating Italy’s energy transition. With Italy’s renewable energy sector gaining momentum, Sonnedix is at the forefront, driving forward the country’s move towards a sustainable energy future. #SolarPower #RenewableEnergy #CleanEnergy #ItalySolar #EnergyTransition #SicilySolar #Sonnedix #Blunova #Sustainability #SolarGrowth #GreenEnergy #ItalianRenewables #EnergyForTheFuture #ClimateAction

Doral Selects IHI Corporation for Operations & Maintenance of Mammoth Solar Project in Indiana

In a significant move for the US solar sector, Doral Renewables has chosen Japan’s IHI Corporation to handle operations and maintenance (O&M) services for several key solar farms in Indiana. The Mammoth South, Mammoth Central 1, and Mammoth Central 2 solar projects will all benefit from the expertise of IHI Power Services Corporation (IPSC), a subsidiary of IHI Corporation. This partnership builds on Doral’s initial decision to bring IPSC on board for asset management of both the Great Bend Solar and Mammoth North Solar projects. Combined, all phases of the Mammoth Solar Project are expected to deliver an impressive 1.3GW of clean energy—solidifying it as one of the largest solar undertakings in the US. 

With full construction of the remaining three phases scheduled for the first quarter of 2025, the Mammoth North phase is already set to become operational in the coming weeks. Spanning Starke and Pulaski Counties, the Mammoth Solar project will generate millions in tax revenue and create hundreds of jobs in the local community. This project is a win for both the economy and the environment. What sets Mammoth Solar apart is its innovative approach to agrivoltaics, integrating solar energy with livestock grazing and crop cultivation. This dual-use strategy enables farmers to continue their operations, optimising land use and driving additional revenue while contributing to the nation’s growing clean energy needs.  IPSC president and CEO John Keller expressed pride in the continued partnership with Doral, stating, “Doral’s continued trust in IPSC to support their growing number of solar projects showcases the dedication to high-quality service that IPSC provides.” He added that this collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to supporting local communities and expanding the renewable energy sector. With Doral developing over 13GW of solar and storage projects across the US and locking in $2.5 billion in long-term power purchase agreements, the company is poised to play a pivotal role in the country’s energy transition. #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #GreenEnergy #Sustainability #CleanEnergy #IndianaSolar #Agrivoltaics #DoralRenewables #IPSC #IHICorporation #MammothSolar #EnergyTransition #SolarJobs #ClimateAction

Ib Vogt Powers the Future with 110MWp Solar Project Sale in Spain

International solar leader Ib Vogt has finalized the sale of a groundbreaking 110MWp solar project in Segovia, Spain, to NextPower V ESG, a fund managed by NextEnergy Capital. The project, known as the Pato Solar Farm, began construction in March 2024 and is on track to reach commercial operation by the first quarter of 2025. Once fully operational, the solar farm will generate an impressive 215.6GWh of clean energy annually, enough to power over 55,000 homes and cut carbon emissions by around 47,450 tonnes per year. That’s equivalent to eliminating the use of 15,000 tonnes of oil annually! 

To ensure maximum sustainability, the site is equipped with bifacial tracking solar panels, boosting energy efficiency throughout its lifecycle. In addition, Ib Vogt and NextEnergy Capital will collaborate to enhance the project with a battery energy storage system in the coming years. The Pato Solar Farm isn’t just about clean energy—it’s about preserving nature, too! The site includes newly created ponds to support wildlife like amphibians, nest boxes for owls, and native plants to promote biodiversity.  Ib Vogt CEO Anton Milner expressed pride in the project’s contribution to Spain’s energy transition, saying, “This project not only advances sustainability goals but also brings significant economic benefits through clean energy generation.” With a strong focus on quality and sustainability, the Pato project exemplifies a low-risk, high-potential investment. NextEnergy Capital’s managing director, Antonio Salvati, highlighted the project’s importance, noting, “Spain offers one of the highest levels of solar irradiation in Europe, making it a prime target for further investments.” This marks NextPower V ESG’s second major acquisition in Spain, with more opportunities on the horizon.

The Pato Solar Farm is part of Ib Vogt’s broader portfolio in Segovia, contributing to 513MWp of solar capacity, advancing Spain’s ambitious goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2050. Ib Vogt will handle all aspects of the project, including engineering, procurement, construction, and post-completion operations and asset management. With the support of Augusta & Co as financial advisors and Herbert Smith Freehills and Watson Farley Williams providing legal expertise, the project sets the stage for a greener future. #CleanEnergy #SolarPower #RenewableEnergy #GreenTransition #Sustainability #SpainSolar #EnergyStorage #NetZero #CarbonNeutral #IbVogt #NextEnergyCapital #FutureOfEnergy

ABP Unveils Ambitious Plans for Barrow Port, Including Floating Solar Farm

Associated British Ports (ABP) has revealed exciting plans for the future of Barrow Port, including a groundbreaking floating solar farm. The ambitious blueprint aims to position Barrow as a sustainable and forward-thinking industrial hub. The Barrow EnergyDock, the first major project under ABP’s masterplan, is set to go to public consultation soon. This innovative initiative involves the installation of a 32MW floating solar farm in Cavendish Dock. Kirsten Abbott, Commercial Manager (Energy) at ABP, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to meet the green energy needs of Barrow’s industries and solidify the port’s reputation as a progressive industrial center.

Michelle Scrogham, MP for Barrow and Furness, praised ABP’s visionary approach and emphasized the long-term benefits that the masterplan will bring to the community. She expressed her excitement about the new opportunities that these plans will create for the people of Barrow. Barrow has already established itself as a key player in the offshore wind industry. With five operations and maintenance (O&M) bases already in place, ABP is planning to expand its facilities to accommodate the growing sector. This includes the construction of new O&M bases and berths capable of handling larger service operation vessels (SOVs). One such development is the Walney Channel O&M Base, where ABP has identified 4.7 acres of land adjacent to Ramsey Way. This site will provide essential facilities to support future wind energy projects, including warehousing, crew facilities, and marine access points for SOVs and Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs).

Beyond O&M facilities, ABP aims to support the construction process of wind farms themselves. With an estimated £17bn investment in wind energy expected to come to the Eastern Irish Sea under the Round 4 process, Barrow’s expansion will ensure its position as a hub for wind energy, creating high-skill jobs and driving economic growth. The blueprint also includes exciting proposals for maritime connections to support hydrogen import and carbon storage. ABP’s masterplan serves as a “call to action” for all stakeholders in Barrow to collaborate and ensure the town’s continued success in adapting to and thriving in the face of new opportunities. #ABP #BarrowPort #FloatingSolarFarm #RenewableEnergy #OffshoreWind #GreenEnergy #Sustainability #IndustrialHub #EconomicGrowth #JobCreation #Hydrogen #CarbonStorage

Hecate Energy and Bechtel Join Forces for Michigan’s Largest Solar Power Project

Hecate Energy has chosen Bechtel, a global leader in engineering and construction, to spearhead the design and build of the massive 360MW(dc) Sunfish Solar 2 PV project in Michigan. Set to break ground later this year, this landmark project will not only accelerate the state’s clean energy transition but also generate over 350 construction jobs at its peak.

Located in Calhoun County, Sunfish Solar 2 will be one of Michigan’s largest solar facilities, marking a significant milestone in the state’s ambitious plan to produce 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. With a sprawling 1,300-acre site, the project will feature 620,000 state-of-the-art bifacial solar panels, maximizing energy generation by capturing sunlight from both sides.

Scheduled for completion in 2026, Sunfish Solar 2 is the most advanced project in Hecate’s 1GW pipeline, reflecting a bold step toward a sustainable future. Bechtel will not only design, construct, and commission this renewable energy powerhouse but also leverage cutting-edge autonomous technologies to enhance project efficiency and delivery.

Scott Austin, Bechtel’s General Manager of Renewables & Clean Power, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are proud to support Michigan’s renewable energy goals with this milestone project, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future while also creating high-quality clean energy jobs.”

Fazli Qadir, Hecate Energy’s Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction, echoed this sentiment, saying, “We are delighted to partner with Bechtel on Sunfish Solar 2. Bechtel brings more than 80 years of experience in delivering renewable energy projects and shares our commitment to a cleaner, greener future and long-term benefits for electricity consumers.”

As Michigan moves closer to its renewable energy goals, the Sunfish Solar 2 project stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration, driving the state toward a greener tomorrow.

#RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #GreenEnergy #SustainableFuture #MichiganRenewables #CleanEnergyJobs #SolarProjects #Bechtel #HecateEnergy #GreenMichigan #ClimateAction #SolarTechnology #EnergyTransition