National Grid Renewables, a company that designs, owns, and operates major renewable energy facilities in the United States, has begun construction of the 200 MW Prairie Wolf solar project in Coles County, Illinois. The project is expected to generate millions in tax revenue. Landowners Income and Charitable Initiatives.
As announced in 2020, Prairie Wolf has entered into a Virtual Energy Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with Cargill, which is the second renewable energy VPPA concluded between Cargill and National Grid Renewables.
“The groundbreaking ceremony for the Prairie Wolf Solar project is an exciting step in Cargill's work in supporting renewable energy to change the way we run our operations,” said Eric Hoegger, director of global renewable energies at Cargill. “We are honored to continue working with National Grid Renewables to meet our commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 10% by 2025 – based on the 2017 baseline.”
Prairie Wolf will benefit the local and statewide economies through new tax revenue generation, new job creation, increased local spending during construction, and a local charitable fund that is estimated to contribute an estimated $ 800,000 over the first 20 years of project operations.
Swinerton Renewable Energy, a company providing engineering, procurement, construction, and operation and maintenance services for photovoltaic solar systems throughout North America, was selected to build the project. The project, located in Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), is expected to start operations at the end of the year.
Photo: Daniel Westerman, President, Renewable Energy, National Grid