Hoosier Energy Planning Big Solar Park

(photo courtesy Hoosier Energy)

Bloomington-based Hoosier Energy Rural Electric Cooperative Inc. has announced plans for what it says will be the largest solar array in the state. The co-op is partnering with EDP Renewables to build the 200 megawatt Riverstart Solar Park in Randolph County, which is expected to begin operation in 2022.

Hoosier Energy says, when complete, the the solar array will have the capability of producing enough clean electricity to power about 37,000 households. The power purchase agreement with EDPR, whose North American headquarters are located in Texas, says Hoosier Energy will receive all energy produced by the solar park for 20 years.

"The Riverstart Solar Park will provide an economical source of renewable energy for the next two decades and is a great fit for our members’ long-term needs," said Steve Smith, chief executive officer of Hoosier Energy. "We appreciate the relationship we have with EDPR and look forward to working with them to make this project a success."

The partnership also furthers EDPR’s renewable energy footprint in Indiana. The company currently has more than 800 megawatts of operational wind farms in the state and has another 200 MW wind farm operational in Benton County by the end of the year.