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EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA) has completed the Pleasantville Solar project, a 150-megawatt (MW) solar facility in Fulton County, Illinois. The project is expected to generate enough electricity to meet the annual demand of more than 39,500 homes and businesses, enhance grid reliability, and support Illinois’ energy independence.

Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO of EDPR NA, said: “Amid skyrocketing power demand in Illinois, Pleasantville Solar is fueling the Prairie State’s economy and communities with reliable, homegrown energy. Projects like Pleasantville Solar ensure that local families and businesses reap the benefits of long-term revenue, job creation, and resilient energy infrastructure.”

The energy output is contracted through a long-term agreement with Microsoft, and the project is projected to generate over $31.6 million in revenue to support schools, roads, emergency services, and other public services. During construction, approximately 300 jobs were supported.

EDPR NA reinforced its commitment to community partnership with over $45,000 in donations to local organizations, including VIT Community Unit School District #2, The Village of Ipava, and the Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development. Local officials praised the project’s long-term economic and infrastructure benefits.

The company operates 1.6 GW of renewable energy capacity in Illinois, supporting 79 permanent jobs and 880 construction jobs. Its portfolio includes wind and solar projects such as Harvest Ridge Wind, Twin Groves Wind, Hickory Solar, and Wolf Run Solar, collectively generating $1.3 billion in statewide economic impact, including in-state investments, payments to landowners, and contributions to local governments.

Source: edp.com