EDP Renewables Launches 150-MW Riverstart Solar IV in Indiana Boosting Local Economy

Indiana college football fans are still celebrating the first-ever national championship by the Indiana University Hoosiers, and now the state’s clean energy supporters can champion a utility-scale solar energy project producing carbon-free power.

EDP Renewables North America has started commercial operations on the 150-MW Riverstart Solar IV in Randolph County, Indiana. Riverstart Solar IV will generate electricity equivalent to the consumption of more than 28,800 Hoosier homes and businesses every year.

"Clean energy infrastructure has brought tangible investments, steady revenue, and good jobs to Randolph County – and Riverstart IV is a prime example of how these projects can be developed responsibly and with ongoing consultation with Randolph County Officials to ensure that clean energy meaningfully supports the financial growth of Randolph County,” said the Randolph County Commissioners in a statement. “We are able to significantly improve our ability to upgrade county infrastructure with the added revenue provided through economic development payments from EDPR NA's clean energy projects like Riverstart."

EDP now operates about 2 GW in low-carbon power generation throughout Indiana, including wind and solar farms. The company owns 30% of all wind and solar generating assets located in the Hoosier state.

The first Riverstart Solar farm went online in 2023. Overall construction has created about 800 jobs and generated more than $50 million in revenue for the state, including $35 million in payments coming to local landowners through royalties.