Clēnera Selects RES for Largest Solar Project in Iowa

Clēnera, a privately-held renewable energy company, today announced it has selected RES (Renewable Energy Systems) as its EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) partner for the 127.5 megawatt Wapello Solar project in Iowa. Wapello Solar will deliver reliable, clean and affordable energy to more than 45,000 homes once operational by the end of 2020.

Michael Gallego, VP of Operations at Clēnera said: “At Clēnera, we depend on strong EPC partners that are innovative and provide the highest levels of quality and safety, and we selected RES because of their strong track record and expertise around the country. Clean energy is about to be a reality for tens of thousands of Iowans thanks to this project.”

As the project’s EPC partner, RES will provide a full range of complete and professional solutions, including recruitment of trained personnel, safety standards and procurement of local goods and services. RES, the world’s largest independent renewable energy company, commenced construction in July 2020 and will employ over 280 workers at the peak of construction, many of whom will be locally hired.

Tim Jordan, Senior VP of Solar Construction at RES said: “We are pleased to partner with Clēnera to bring reliable solar energy to communities across Iowa. This project will create hundreds of local jobs and provide a substantial economic impact through direct purchasing and tax revenue.”

Occupying nearly 800 acres of land in Louisa County, Wapello Solar is now the largest solar project in Iowa. Louisa County is already realizing the significant economic benefits, with just over 200 construction workers already on site and an anticipated $5.2 million in tax revenue. The project will power 21,000 homes. Central Iowa Power Cooperative will purchase all of the energy produced by the Wapello Solar project.

CIPCO CEO and Executive Vice President Bill Cherrier said: “We are thrilled to work with Clēnera on this milestone project, as we look to strike a meaningful balance with energy cost, reliability and stewardship for our members. Energy produced by the sun provides an excellent complement to wind energy. The energy we purchase from Wapello Solar will be produced during our daily and seasonal peak demand times. This is an innovative way for us to offer reliability and efficiency to CIPCO’s energy portfolio.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

About RES

RES is the world’s largest independent renewable energy company active in onshore and offshore wind, solar, energy storage, transmission and distribution. At the forefront of the industry for over 38 years, RES has delivered more than 18GW of renewable energy projects across the globe and supports an operational asset portfolio exceeding 6GW worldwide for a large client base. Understanding the unique needs of corporate clients, RES has secured 1.5GW of power purchase agreements (PPAs) enabling access to energy at the lowest cost. RES employs more than 3,000 people and is active in 10 countries. For more information, please visit www.res-group.com.

About Clēnera

Clēnera, LLC (“Clēnera”) is a privately-held renewable energy company headquartered in Boise, Idaho. Clēnera acquires, develops, builds and manages utility-scale solar farms and energy storage facilities throughout the United States. Combining breakthrough technology with a deeply integrated team approach, Clēnera provides reliable, affordable energy systems and helps its utility partners become clean energy leaders in their communities. Clēnera’s current operating portfolio exceeds 1.3 GW, with more than 14 GW of solar and storage assets in development. Learn more at www.clenera.com.

About Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO)

CIPCO is a generation and transmission electric cooperative built by member cooperatives and the communities they serve. With a balanced, 24/7 energy portfolio, CIPCO is committed to providing cost-effective, clean, safe, and reliable energy. CIPCO and its 13 members serve over 300,000 Iowans in 58 Iowa counties. CIPCO’s offices are located in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Creston, and Wilton, Iowa. For more information visit www.cipco.net.