DESRI, Origis, and rPlus Energies Begin Construction on 2.8GWh of Solar and Storage Projects in the U.S.
Construction has commenced on significant solar and storage projects across the U.S., totaling 2.8GWh of battery energy storage system (BESS) capacity, thanks to the collaborative efforts of DESRI, Origis Energy, and rPlus Energies. Notably, these projects are situated outside of Texas and California, highlighting the resilience of the U.S. clean energy sector amidst uncertainty regarding clean energy incentives from the Biden administration, which are currently facing challenges in Congress.
### DESRI Launches 205MW Solar-Plus-Storage Project in Arizona
D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) has initiated construction on a 205MW solar-plus-storage project in Buckeye, Arizona. This project, known as the Catclaw solar and storage facility, was acquired from U.S. solar developer Avantus last year. It features a 250MW battery storage system with a 4-hour duration and is slated to begin operations in 2026. Catclaw has secured a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Arizona Public Service (APS). RES will handle engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) for the site, while Tesla will supply the battery storage equipment. DESRI has not yet disclosed the solar equipment supplier. Bob Schoenherr, Chief Strategy Officer at DESRI, stated, “DESRI currently owns 131MWac of operating renewable energy assets and 160MWac of solar assets under construction in Arizona; Catclaw is our first project with APS.”
### MUFG Finances Origis Energy’s 350MW Solar Portfolio
U.S. renewable power developer Origis Energy has secured financing from MUFG, a Japanese bank, to support its 350MW solar portfolio in the U.S. This portfolio includes the 150MW Wheatland solar project in Indiana and the 200MW Optimist project in Mississippi, which will feature 50MW of battery storage with 4-hour batteries. Both projects are expected to be commissioned in the first half of 2026, with power from Wheatland sold to CenterPoint Energy and power from Optimist sold to the Tennessee Valley Authority. The specific value of the financing package has not been disclosed, but it is supported by several lenders, including the National Bank of Canada, NatWest, and Siemens Financial Services.
### rPlus Energies Secures $500 Million for Utah Project
Renewables developer rPlus Energies has obtained over $500 million for a 400MW/1.6GWh solar-plus-storage project in Emery County, Utah. This financing was achieved through a tax equity commitment from RBC Community Investments and a consortium of investors, leveraging the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The Green River Energy Centre, currently under construction, will include 400MW of solar PV and a 400MW/1,600MWh BESS. The project is expected to be completed in 2026 and is backed by a PPA with U.S. utility PacifiCorp, signed in October 2022. Luigi Resta, CEO of rPlus Energies, remarked, “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.”
This series of announcements underscores the ongoing development of renewable energy projects across the United States, showcasing the industry’s commitment to clean energy solutions even in the face of legislative challenges.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/major-us-solar-and-storage-projects-underway-as-desri-origis-and-rplus-energies-launch-construction-on-2-8gwh-capacity/
