Indiana's Wheatland Solar Achieves Commercial Operation with Long-Term Power Purchase Agreement
Renewable energy developer Origis Energy has completed its 210-MW Wheatland Solar project in Indiana.
Wheatland was constructed in Knox County and now has achieved commercial operations. Its generation output is contracted under a 20-year power purchase agreement with utility CenterPoint Energy.
"Reaching commercial operations at Wheatland reflects the strength of our development and execution platform and our continued commitment to providing reliable, cost-effective energy solutions for utilities and the communities they serve,” said David Groleau, Senior Vice President of Origination at Origis Energy, in a statement.
Construction of the Wheatland Solar project reportedly boosted local economic development throughout Knox County. At peak, the project supported about 360 construction jobs, contributing to local employment and investment during the construction period.
Wheatland Solar was financed through a combination of tax equity and debt, including a tax equity commitment from J.P. Morgan and portfolio financing with MUFG.
"Our long-term electric generation plan is focused on delivering reliable, affordable and diversified energy for our southwestern Indiana customers," said Shane Bradford, CenterPoint Energy's Vice President, Indiana Electric. "We appreciate working with Origis Energy to bring the Wheatland Solar project to commercial operations in support of that effort."
The U.S. added 43 GW of installed solar capacity last year and was the leading new generation resource built during that period, according to reports from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and research partner Wood Mackenzie. The total value of the U.S. solar market is close to $70 billion, according to SEIA.