RWE Breaks Ground on 150-MW Solar Project in Illinois

• RWE AG breaks ground on 150-MW solar park in Illinois, boosting renewables portfolio and creating jobs. McCarthy Building Companies Inc to construct plant for utility credits sale.

German energy group RWE AG has begun construction on a 150-MW solar park in Illinois, marking its first utility-scale photovoltaic project in the state. The Casey Fork complex, located in Jefferson County, will expand RWE's renewables portfolio in Illinois to over 750 MW. McCarthy Building Companies Inc has been selected to build the plant, with renewable energy credits to be sold to utilities Ameren, ComEd, and MidAmerican Energy.

The project is expected to generate over $36 million in economic activity and create more than 200 jobs during the construction phase. RWE estimates that the PV park will bring in $22 million in property taxes over its operational lifespan. This initiative is part of RWE's goal to increase its installed renewable energy capacity in the US to over 19 GW net by 2030, up from the current 9 GW which includes three wind farms in Illinois.

What are the economic benefits of RWE's new solar park in Illinois?

• The construction of the 150-MW solar park in Illinois is expected to generate over $36 million in economic activity.
• The project will create more than 200 jobs during the construction phase, providing a boost to the local economy.
• RWE estimates that the PV park will bring in $22 million in property taxes over its operational lifespan, benefiting the local community.
• This initiative is part of RWE's goal to increase its installed renewable energy capacity in the US to over 19 GW net by 2030, which will contribute to long-term economic growth and sustainability.
• The renewable energy credits from the solar park will be sold to utilities Ameren, ComEd, and MidAmerican Energy, further supporting the transition to clean energy sources in Illinois.