Arevon Launches $500 Million Kelso Solar Project In Missouri, 430 MW Facility Powers Over 62,000 Homes

Arevon Energy, Inc., a leading American renewable energy developer, owner, and operator, has officially started operations at the Kelso Solar Project, a large solar power facility located in Scott County, Missouri. The project has a total capacity of 430 megawatts (MWdc) and represents an important step in expanding solar energy production in the state. The Kelso Solar Project is a major investment of more than $500 million by Arevon Energy, Inc.. The company was responsible for developing and constructing the project and will continue to own and operate the facility. Built in two phases, the solar plant is Arevon’s first utility-scale project in Missouri. With the addition of this project, the state’s solar power capacity has increased by nearly 50 percent. The electricity produced at the site is enough to supply power to more than 62,000 homes each year, helping strengthen the availability of clean and reliable energy.

In addition to producing renewable energy, the Kelso Solar Project has also created meaningful economic benefits for the local community. During the construction phase, the project provided jobs for more than 450 workers. The presence of construction teams and project staff also increased activity in the area, which resulted in higher spending at nearby businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and retail stores. Over the long term, the project is expected to generate more than $62 million in property tax payments. These funds will support public services in Scott County, Missouri, including schools, infrastructure development, and emergency services such as police and fire departments.

To mark the start of operations, Arevon Energy, Inc. hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony that brought together project partners, local leaders, landowners, business owners, and community members. The event celebrated the collaborative effort required to bring the solar facility online. Opening remarks were delivered by Justin Johnson, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Arevon. Additional speakers included Danny Tetley from the Scott County Commission, Sarah Mitchell Garner of Missouri Delta Medical Center, Clay Schermann from the Southeast Missouri Food Bank, and Missy Marshall from Three Rivers College. The ceremony was hosted by Kiana Khalilnejad, construction project manager at Arevon.

During the ceremony, Justin Johnson highlighted the years of planning, coordination, and construction that made the project possible. He explained that the Kelso Solar Project reflects strong cooperation between Arevon, local landowners, project partners, and community leaders in Scott County, Missouri. He also noted that the facility will provide safe and domestically produced electricity while supporting the nation’s growing energy needs for many years. Local officials also emphasized the positive impact of the project on the region. Danny Tetley stated that the Kelso Solar Project represents an important investment in the future of Scott County because it strengthens the county’s tax base, supports essential public services, and introduces a new energy resource to the local economy. He also recognized Arevon’s community-focused approach throughout the development process.

Throughout the development and construction of the project, Arevon Energy, Inc. remained actively involved with the local community and supported a variety of organizations and initiatives in the region. One of the company’s major contributions was a donation of $525,000 to the Scott County Central School District, made in partnership with Primoris Services Corporation Renewables, the project’s construction contractor. The funding helped build a solar-powered bus carport that protects students and school buses from harsh weather while also helping the district reduce energy costs. The company also provided financial assistance to remove asbestos flooring from school classrooms to improve safety conditions.

Arevon also donated $300,000 to the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center, a pediatric outpatient therapy facility that supports children with special needs. The funding is being used to help construct a new gymnasium, and the company also supplied new therapy mats and soft play equipment for children receiving treatment at the center. Another $300,000 contribution was made to the Scott County R-IV School District to provide Chromebooks for students, improving access to technology in the classroom. In addition, the company donated $145,000 to support school safety programs and STEM education initiatives within the district.

The project also supported emergency services and local infrastructure improvements. Arevon funded a side-by-side vehicle for the Scott County Rural Fire Protection District, which helps firefighters reach areas that are difficult to access with traditional fire trucks due to challenging terrain or narrow paths. In the nearby community of Blodgett, Missouri, Arevon provided funding to install a secondary water well. This project strengthens the city’s water supply system and supports long-term public health and infrastructure reliability. The company has also participated in food distribution events organized by the Southeast Missouri Food Bank, helping provide food and resources to thousands of residents in the region who face food insecurity.

Community leaders have expressed appreciation for the company’s contributions. Michelle Fayette, Executive Director of the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center, described Arevon as an important supporter of the organization and the wider Scott County community. She noted that the center raises about $300,000 each year through its annual Telethon to provide free physical, occupational, and speech therapy for children. When Arevon announced during the Kelso Solar groundbreaking that it would match the Telethon’s fundraising total, the commitment was described as a remarkable and meaningful contribution.

At the same time, Clay Schermann from the Southeast Missouri Food Bank acknowledged that Arevon’s support has helped the organization expand its food distribution programs and reach more families across the region. The Kelso Solar Project is part of Arevon’s broader efforts to expand renewable energy across the Midwest. In recent months, the company also announced the start of operations at the Ratts 1 and Heirloom Solar Projects in Indiana. These projects represent a combined investment of $400 million and provide 264 MWdc of new solar energy capacity. In addition, the company is continuing construction on the Big Muddy Solar Project in Illinois, a $200 million development that will generate 124 MWdc of solar power once completed.

Arevon has also played a key role in developing other renewable energy facilities in Indiana on behalf of local utilities. These include the 251 MWdc Gibson Solar Project and the 228 MWdc Posey Solar Project. Through these developments, the company has worked to ensure that each project integrates successfully with local communities while contributing to the growth of clean energy resources. With the start of operations at the Kelso Solar Project, Arevon Energy, Inc. continues to strengthen its presence in the Midwest and support the expansion of renewable energy in the United States. The project demonstrates how large-scale solar developments can deliver reliable clean electricity while also creating jobs, supporting local organizations, and contributing to long-term community growth.