Major US Solar and Storage Projects Progress with 2.8GWh Capacity from DESRI, Origis, and rPlus Energies

**Construction Initiated on 2.8GWh of Solar and Storage Projects in the US**

By JP Casey, Will Norman, Shreeyashi Ojha
June 20, 2025

DESRI, Origis Energy, and rPlus Energies are making significant strides in financing and constructing large-scale solar and storage projects across the United States, totaling 2.8GWh of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity, with all developments taking place outside of Texas and California. This series of announcements underscores the resilience of the U.S. clean energy sector amidst considerable uncertainty, as many clean energy incentives from the Biden administration face challenges from a tax bill currently in Congress.

### DESRI Commences Construction on 205MW Solar-Plus-Storage Facility in Arizona

D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) has officially begun construction on a 205MW/1,000MWh solar-plus-storage project located in Buckeye, Arizona. The project, known as the Catclaw solar and storage project, was acquired from Avantus last year. It features a 250MW battery energy storage system with a four-hour duration and is projected to start operations in 2026. The Catclaw project has secured a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Arizona Public Service (APS), the state’s primary energy provider. 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. Bob Schoenherr, chief strategy officer of DESRI, noted, “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).”

### Origis Energy Secures Financing for 350MW Solar Portfolio

Renewable power developer Origis Energy has obtained a financing package from the Japanese bank MUFG to facilitate the development of a 350MW solar portfolio in the U.S. This portfolio includes two projects: the 150MW Wheatland solar project in Indiana and the 200MW Optimist project in Mississippi, which will be paired with 50MW of battery storage utilizing four-hour batteries. Both projects are anticipated to be commissioned in the first half of 2026, with power from the Wheatland project being sold to CenterPoint Energy, a Texas-based utility, and power from the Optimist project going to the Tennessee Valley Authority. Although the value of the deal remains undisclosed, MUFG acted as the coordinating lead arranger, with support from other lenders including the National Bank of Canada, NatWest, and Siemens Financial Services.

### rPlus Energies Secures $500 Million for 400MW/1.6GWh Project in Utah

rPlus Energies has successfully secured over $500 million for its 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, utilizing the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) to support the Green River Energy Centre’s development. Currently under construction, the project includes 400MW of solar PV and 400MW/1,600MWh of BESS, with an expected completion date in 2026. It is backed by a power purchase agreement with 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,” stated Luigi Resta, CEO of rPlus Energies.

### Related Developments

– Prologis Energy has sold a 400MW/800MWh BESS in Texas.
– Scale Microgrids has closed $275 million to support 140MW of distributed generation projects across the U.S.
– Haven Energy and California’s Clean Energy Alliance are providing free battery energy storage systems to low-income homeowners.

The ongoing advancements in solar and storage projects highlight a promising future for renewable energy in the U.S. as companies continue to innovate and secure financing despite regulatory challenges.