BOISE, Idaho – Hoosier Energy and ClÄ“nera are pleased to announce a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between Hoosier Energy and ClÄ“nera’s affiliate, Rustic Hills Solar LLC. The Rustic Hills Solar PPA has a 20-year contract term and is Hoosier Energy’s first PPA with ClÄ“nera, a developer of large-scale solar and storage projects, and a subsidiary of Enlight Renewable Energy LTD.
Hoosier Energy, a not-for-profit generation and transmission cooperative, provides electric power and services to 18 not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative owners throughout central and southern Indiana and southeastern Illinois. The 18 cooperative members serve more than 760,000 consumers.
“This collaboration continues our transition of Hoosier Energy’s resource portfolio to a much higher percentage of renewable sources,” said President and CEO Donna Walker. “The solar energy developed at Rustic Hills will serve thousands of Hoosiers while continuing to reduce our carbon footprint, benefiting the environment, Hoosier Energy members and all of their member-consumers.”
In 2020, Hoosier Energy announced it plans to retire its only remaining coal-powered generating station by May 2023. The decision will save its member co-ops more than $700 million over the next decade while also shifting Hoosier Energy’s portfolio toward renewable energy generation.
Rustic Hills Solar will occupy approximately 640 acres of private land in Warrick County, Indiana, with construction expected to begin upon receipt of necessary authorization and permits. It is estimated that the project will be commercially operational by the end of 2023. During the proposed 10-month construction timeline, approximately 300 construction jobs will be created.
The Rustic Hills Solar facility is anticipated to deliver 120 MWDC of reliable, affordable, and clean energy to Hoosier Energy’s members, generating enough power to meet the needs of more than 17,000 homes.
“We thank Hoosier Energy for partnering with ClÄ“nera to procure clean energy from Rustic Hills Solar,” said Jared McKee, Vice President of Business Development at ClÄ“nera. “We look forward to the successful completion of this solar project and promoting sustainable environmental and economic stewardship with our partner Hoosier Energy in the state of Indiana.”
