Sargent & Lundy recently joined Earthrise Energy and elected officials from across central Illinois to formally power up the independent power producer’s first utility-scale solar project in the state. The firm served as owner’s engineer on the 270-megawatt Archtop Solar project, helping Earthrise implement an innovative approach using an existing gas peaker plant to fast-track the grid interconnection process.
The Gibson City, Illinois, project is the first of five solar power facilities Earthrise is planning throughout the state. All will use a similar model to avoid lengthy waits for approvals that can add years to the interconnection process. By taking advantage of existing grid connections at gas-fired peaker plants that currently only operate during periods of increased electricity demand, Earthrise can bring clean energy projects online faster and make smarter use of the grid.
“This project launch celebrates both a new renewable-energy asset and the collaborative, creative problem solving that sped it to market,” said Abigail Buchta, a principal consultant for Sargent & Lundy.
Using existing grid connections, Earthrise is planning to install more than 1.4 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity in Illinois.
“Archtop Solar is an excellent example of the innovative partnerships that will provide energy solutions for the future,” said Sargent & Lundy Senior Vice President Matt Thibodeau. “We look forward to supporting Earthrise’s forward-thinking strategy and helping deploy more generation in Illinois.”