Clearway Begins Construction of 650 MW Swan Solar Project in Missouri After Closing $1.5 Billion Financing

Clearway Energy Group has closed financing and started construction of the 650 MW Swan Energy Center, a large-scale solar project being developed on portions of formerly strip-mined land in northwestern Bates County, Missouri.

The project marks Clearway’s first development in Missouri and is backed by a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA). Swan Energy Center forms part of a 1.2 GW project portfolio announced by Clearway earlier this year.

Once operational, the solar facility is expected to generate enough electricity annually to meet the needs of approximately 200,000 homes, while providing additional carbon-free power to support growing electricity demand in the region.

Clearway has arranged financing for the $1.5 billion energy center through a banking consortium led by Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, DNB Bank ASA and National Australia Bank Limited. Clearway Energy, Inc. has also entered into an agreement to invest in the project once it reaches commercial operations.

Blattner Energy has been selected as the project’s construction partner. Construction is expected to create up to 500 jobs at peak activity, while several permanent technician positions are expected to be created after the facility becomes operational.

The project is also expected to deliver significant economic benefits to Bates County. Clearway has established a 30-year Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement, projected to generate more than $80 million in new revenue for the local school district and other county services over the agreement period.

In addition, Clearway has committed $1 million to help Bates County purchase emergency equipment, along with $288,000 annually for the first 10 years of operations to support road and bridge departments across 24 townships and road districts. The company will also provide $200,000 to the towns of Amoret and Amsterdam for public safety equipment improvements.

Swan Energy Center will use American-made solar panels and other equipment and is scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2028.

The project site will also incorporate native grasses and floral resources designed to provide habitat for pollinator species, including monarch butterflies, while supporting improved soil drainage and soil health.