Last week National Grid Renewables organized an event celebrate construction from its Unbridled Solar Project in Henderson and Webster Counties, Kentucky. At 160 MW, the project is expected to be the largest solar farm in the state of Kentucky when it goes online in late 2024. The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders including landowners, community members, neighbors and project partners.
“It’s exciting to be here today speaking with local residents and neighbors of the Unbridled Project,” said Gemma Smith, VP of field operations at National Grid Renewables. “We are proud to celebrate the significant economic impact the project will have for residents of Henderson and Webster counties in the form of local jobs, new tax revenue and charitable funding.”
The theme of the event was “Unbridled Potential,” representing the many ways the project will contribute to local and national economic growth. For landowners it is a new way to generate a stable income from their land. For community members, it’s about moving businesses forward and providing funding to create positive impact. For the local economy, it is about strengthening the tax revenues of municipalities and provinces.
Unbridled is being built by Mastec Construction and will use First Solar Series 7 modules. The project also has a previously announced Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Big Rivers Electric Corporation.
“We are proud that solar is being built in western Kentucky, serving the people and communities of western Kentucky,” said Terry Wright, Big Rivers vice president of energy services. “By purchasing power from this large-scale solar project we can complete a diverse portfolio that will offer coal, gas, hydro and solar power. The solar energy generated here will help provide the safe, reliable, economical and sustainable energy our members need and provide green energy options that can attract industries looking to build in Kentucky.
Prior to the event, National Grid Renewables also announced their commitment of $800,000 in charitable donations through the Unbridled Solar Project over the first twenty years of operations. The funds will be administered by the Community Foundation of Henderson, who also attended and spoke at the event.
News item from National Grid Renewables
