Swift Current Energy has secured tax equity investment from Google to develop the Double Black Diamond Solar Project in southern Illinois. The 800 MWdc (593 MWac) project is under construction and is expected to be operational by early 2025. Once completed, it will be the largest solar facility east of the Mississippi River.

The financing structure takes advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act, utilizing incentives like energy community and domestic content adders to secure funding.

In Europe, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Raiffeisen Bank International have committed €110 million (~$122 million) to finance two solar projects in Romania. The Lepuresti and Ghimpati projects, with a combined capacity of 300 MW, will benefit from a €55 million loan from each institution.

Meanwhile, Levanta Renewables, a Southeast Asia-based developer backed by Actis, has acquired six solar projects totaling 9.5 MWp, secured through long-term power purchase agreements with Global 500 multinational corporations.

In New Zealand, Lodestone Energy has acquired two grid-scale solar sites in the Manawatu region from Kiwi Solar. Each site will add approximately 27 MW of capacity, with construction slated to begin by mid-2025.

Finally, Generate Capital and KeyState Renewables have closed their third joint fund, Generate NY Community Solar VI, raising $64 million to develop 11 solar projects in New York with a total capacity of 53.5 MW.

Sources: mercomindia.com