DESRI, Origis, and rPlus Energies Initiate Construction on 2.8GWh of Solar and Storage Projects Across the US

DESRI, Origis, rPlus Finance Launch Construction on 2.8GWh of US Solar and Storage Projects
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By JP Casey, Will Norman, Shreeyashi Ojha
June 20, 2025

DESRI, Origis Energy, and rPlus Energies have made significant strides in financing and constructing large-scale solar and storage projects across the United States, with a total capacity of 2.8GWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS) – all outside of Texas and California. These announcements underscore the resilience of the US clean energy sector during a period of uncertainty, particularly as many clean energy incentives from the Biden administration face challenges in Congress.

### DESRI Breaks Ground on 205MW Arizona Solar-Plus-Storage Project

US independent power producer (IPP) DESRI, which stands for D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments, has commenced construction on a 205MW/1,000MWh solar-plus-storage project in Buckeye, Arizona. Acquired from Avantus, the Catclaw project features a 250MW battery energy storage system designed for four-hour duration and is anticipated to begin operations in 2026. The project has secured a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Arizona Public Service (APS). RES will act as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor, while Tesla will supply the battery storage equipment. The solar equipment supplier has not been disclosed.

“DESRI currently owns 131MWac of operating renewable energy assets and 160MWac of solar assets under construction in Arizona; Catclaw is our first project with Arizona Public Service (APS),” stated Bob Schoenherr, chief strategy officer of DESRI.

### MUFG Finances Origis Energy’s 350MW Solar Portfolio

US renewable power developer Origis Energy has secured financing from MUFG, a Japanese bank, to support the development of a 350MW solar portfolio in the US. This portfolio comprises two projects: the 150MW Wheatland solar project in Indiana and the 200MW Optimist project in Mississippi, which will also include 50MW of battery storage with four-hour batteries. Both projects are expected to be commissioned in the first half of 2026, and Origis has established power purchase agreements (PPAs) for each. Power from the Wheatland project will be supplied to CenterPoint Energy, while power from the Optimist project will go to the Tennessee Valley Authority. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, but it has received support from various lenders, including the National Bank of Canada, NatWest, and Siemens Financial Services.

### rPlus Energies Secures $500 Million for 400MW/1.6GWh Utah Solar-Plus-Storage Project

Renewables developer rPlus Energies has successfully secured over $500 million for a 400MW/1.6GWh solar-plus-storage project in Emery County, Utah. This funding comes through a tax equity commitment from RBC Community Investments and a consortium of investors. The financing will utilize the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) to aid in the development of the Green River Energy Centre, which is currently under construction and includes 400MW of solar PV along with a 400MW/1,600MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). The project is expected to be completed in 2026 and is backed by a power purchase agreement (PPA) with US utility PacifiCorp, signed in October 2022.

“This project will use federal tools, such as the investment tax credit, to ensure that rural communities continue to lead the country’s energy production,” commented Luigi Resta, CEO of rPlus Energies.

### Conclusion

The collective efforts of DESRI, Origis, and rPlus Energies in advancing these solar and storage projects highlight the ongoing commitment to expanding clean energy infrastructure across the United States, contributing to a more sustainable energy future.