Solar Projects Planned for Knox, Gibson Counties
(photo courtesy of Elliot Solar)
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowTwo major solar power projects are being planned for Knox and Gibson counties. Capital Dynamics in Switzerland is partnering with Nebraska-based Tenaska to develop the solar fields, which represent a nearly $300 million total investment.
The projects are being overseen by Capital Dynamics’ Clean Energy Infrastructure business.
In Vincennes, a $128 million, 150-megawatt solar project is underway. The solar field, called the Ratts 2 Solar Project, is expected to result in construction jobs, tax revenue, landowner lease payments and other economic benefits to Knox County.
The Ratts 2 Solar Project in Knox County is located on roughly 1,200 acres in Harrison Township. Construction is slated to begin by early 2022 and will span 12 to 18 months.
“This solar project will provide clean power to Indiana while providing many economic benefits to Knox County,” said Tiago Sabino Dias, executive vice president of development of Arevon Energy Management, the CEI platform’s dedicated energy solutions business. “We have felt very welcomed in Knox County and look forward to making this long-term investment in the community.”
Meanwhile, Capital Dynamics is planning to make an approximately $170 million investment to build a 200-megawatt solar project in Gibson County. The solar field, which will be known as the Elliott Solar Project, is also expected to bring additional jobs, revenue and landowner lease payments.
The Gibson County project is located on about 1,600 acres near Francisco in Center and Barton townships. Construction is expected to begin by early 2022 and will be completed in 2023.
“Gibson County has a proud history of electricity generation,” said Dias. “Our hope is that this solar project will continue that tradition while bringing new opportunities to the county.”
Once operational, the solar fields are expected to deliver renewable power to utilities and electrical cooperatives in the Hoosier state.
Capital Dynamics says it is the largest private owner of solar facilities in the United States. The company says its partnership with Tenaska is expected to result in the development of nearly 8,000 megawatts of solar projects.
The Elliott Solar Project is among a number of projects that Capital Dynamics and Tenaska are developing in southern Indiana, including a recently-announced 150-megawatt solar field near Petersburg in Pike County.