Today, National Grid Renewables announced it has signed a power purchase agreement with the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA) for its Bee Hollow Solar Project in St. Clair County, Illinois. The 150-megawatt (MW) project is set to begin construction in 2025 and will add to National Grid Renewables’ growing solar portfolio in the state, joining the already planned Prairie Wolf Solar in Coles County, Illinois. Once completed, the company’s solar capacity in Illinois will reach 350 MW.
Blake Nixon, President and CEO of National Grid Renewables, said in a statement, “We’re extremely proud of our deep roots in the Midwest, and our commitment to bringing clean, sustainable energy solutions to its residents remains firm. The expansion of our portfolio in Illinois will further that commitment and we’re excited to see the positive impacts the Bee Hollow Project will provide to local residents in the form of jobs, new tax revenue and charitable giving.”
Kevin Gaden, IMEA President and CEO, also stated, “The addition of the Bee Hollow solar project to our power portfolio significantly advances the IMEA Board’s commitment to responsibly transitioning the agency’s portfolio to more carbon-free generation resources. Purchasing energy from Bee Hollow meets one of the strategies detailed in our agency’s Sustainability Plan which, by 2050, seeks to reduce to net-zero the carbon emissions of the power supply we deliver to our member municipalities. Bee Hollow is a tremendous investment in renewable energy, and we’re excited about this resource growth to serve our members over the long term.”
The Bee Hollow Solar Project, located in St. Clair County, Illinois, is set to benefit both local and statewide communities. Expected to generate millions in new tax revenue and landowner income, the 150-megawatt project will also create jobs and increase local spending. In addition, National Grid Renewables will contribute a dedicated charitable fund to support the community, going beyond tax revenues. Over the first 20 years, the total economic impact of Bee Hollow is estimated to reach $34 million.
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