DESRI, Origis, and rPlus Launch Construction on 2.8GWh Solar and Storage Projects Across the US

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

The collaboration between DESRI, Origis Energy, and rPlus Energies has led to significant advancements in financing and constructing large-scale solar and storage projects across the United States, totaling 2.8GWh of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity, all located outside of Texas and California. These developments highlight the resilience of the US clean energy sector during a challenging time marked by uncertainty surrounding many of the Biden administration’s clean energy incentives, which are currently facing scrutiny from a tax bill being considered in Congress.

### DESRI Initiates Construction on 205MW Arizona Solar-Plus-Storage Project

US independent power producer (IPP) DESRI has officially broken ground on a 205MW/1,000MWh solar-plus-storage project in Arizona. Full name D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments, DESRI acquired the Catclaw solar and storage project in Buckeye, Arizona, from US solar developer Avantus last year. This site features a 250MW battery energy storage system designed for a four-hour discharge duration and is anticipated to commence operations in 2026. The project has secured a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Arizona Public Service (APS), the main energy provider in the state. The engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract for the site has been awarded to RES, while Tesla will supply the battery storage equipment. The solar equipment supplier has not yet been disclosed. “Currently, DESRI owns 131MWac of operating renewable energy assets and 160MWac of solar assets under construction in Arizona; Catclaw marks our first collaboration 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 successfully obtained a financing package from Japanese bank MUFG to facilitate the development of a 350MW solar portfolio in the United States. This portfolio includes the 150MW Wheatland solar project in Indiana and the 200MW Optimist project in Mississippi, which will be integrated with 50MW of battery storage utilizing four-hour batteries. Both projects are scheduled for commissioning in the first half of 2026, and Origis has secured power purchase agreements (PPAs) for each project; energy generated from the Wheatland project will be supplied to CenterPoint Energy, a Texas-based utility, while power from the Optimist project will be sold to the Tennessee Valley Authority. The specific value of the deal has not been disclosed, but MUFG served as the coordinating lead arranger, with backing from multiple 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 located in Emery County, Utah. This financing was achieved through a tax equity commitment exceeding $500 million from RBC Community Investments and a consortium of investors. The funding will utilize the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) to support the development of the Green River Energy Centre. This project, currently under construction, features 400MW of solar PV alongside a 400MW/1,600MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) and is expected to be completed in 2026. It is identified as one of Utah’s largest planned solar-plus-storage initiatives and is backed by a PPA signed with US utility PacifiCorp in October 2022. “This project will leverage federal resources, such as the investment tax credit, to ensure that rural communities continue to lead the country’s energy production,” remarked Luigi Resta, CEO of rPlus Energies.