HOUSTON, Feb. 10, 2025 – Three new solar projects, totaling 400 megawatts (MW) of clean energy capacity, have come online in Illinois and Texas, promising both environmental benefits and economic growth for their regions. Developed by EDP Renewables North America LLC (EDPR NA), these projects will supply power to Microsoft through long-term agreements, supporting the tech giant's sustainability and carbon reduction goals.
The projects include the 140 MW Wolf Run Solar Project and the 110 MW Hickory Solar Project in Illinois, and the 150 MW Cattlemen II Solar Project in Texas. Beyond providing clean energy, these initiatives are designed to have a positive impact on the surrounding communities.
Cattlemen Solar Park, EDP Renewables North America LLC
Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 2
Cattlemen Solar Park, EDP Renewables North America LLC
Copyright 2024 by Houston City Beat. All rights reserved. - 1
The Hickory project stands out for its innovative Environmental Justice PPA (EJ PPA), a collaboration between EDPR NA, Microsoft, and Volt Energy Utility, LLC, a minority-owned renewable energy developer. The EJ PPA will channel funds to the Sharing the Power Foundation, which supports local organizations working on issues like clean air and water access, renewable energy development, and job training in the green energy sector. This focus on environmental justice aims to address the needs of communities often disproportionately affected by pollution and climate change.
"It's exciting when projects achieve commercial operations and begin generating clean energy in support of grid decarbonization," said Kourtney Nelson, Senior Director of Renewable Energy Procurement, Microsoft. "We're pleased with EDPR NA and Volt Energy Utility's collaboration on Hickory and the positive impact the project will have with community grants and investing in future renewable energy leaders."
The projects have also brought significant economic benefits. Landowners in Illinois have received $4.8 million in lease payments for hosting the Wolf Run and Hickory projects, which have also generated millions in local tax revenue. These two projects created 500 construction jobs and will support 5 permanent positions. The Cattlemen II project in Texas has similarly generated approximately 300 construction jobs and will support several permanent positions, while also contributing millions to local tax coffers. The influx of spending during construction, totaling over $10.4 million across the three sites, has provided a boost to local businesses. Houston City Beat reached out to EDP Renewables North America and this is what they shared with us:
“Through our most recent projects for Microsoft, including Hickory Solar Park and Wolf Run Solar Park in Illinois and Cattlemen II here in eastern Texas, we challenged our team, including an array of Houston-based developers and sustainability experts to make these projects much more than simple power plants. Rather, these are generational assets that our communities can benefit from and champion far into the future. These projects arm a new generation of energy professionals in Houston with the skills to incorporate recycling and sustainability practices into operating assets, as well as to learn more about how to weave in environmental justice programs that focus on workforce development opportunities in the communities housing our projects. Cattlemen II in Texas alone recycled 121,854 lbs of solar panels and associated material during construction. These projects are a great example of the opportunities brought by Houston-based companies like EDP Renewables to innovate and invest in Houstonians to answer the rapidly increasing energy demand we are experiencing today.”- Tom LoTurco, Executive Vice President, Eastern US, Canada & Government Affairs at EDP Renewables North America.
