Illinois solar project shortens interconnection by tying into natural gas infrastructure

Earthrise Energy‘s Archtop Solar Project, comprising Gibson City Solar 1 and 2, and totaling 270 MW_AC, reached commercial operation on June 9.

Credit: Earthrise Energy

The project is the first application of Earthrise’s surplus interconnection strategy. Through this approach, 270 MW of new solar generation can use the existing grid infrastructure of Earthrise Energy’s natural gas-fired peaking facility in Gibson City, Illinois.

“We believe the successful commercial operation of Archtop validates our model that can help address one of the most significant challenges facing the energy industry today: how to bring new generation online fast enough to meet growing demand,” said Jeff Hunter, CEO of Earthrise Energy. “Illinois needs additional energy resources now, and this project demonstrates that innovative use of existing infrastructure can accelerate deployment timelines while supporting Gov. Pritzker’s vision for a clean and reliable energy future. We believe this approach has the potential to serve as a blueprint for future development across the region.”

Rather than entering the interconnection queue typically required for new generation resources, Earthrise Energy secured an interconnection agreement through the surplus interconnection process offered by utility operator MISO.

“Our concept working as intended is a significant milestone for Earthrise and validates the work we’ve put into developing this model,” said Scott Halleran, VP of asset management for Earthrise Energy.” The early operating results reflect the type of coordination this model was designed to enable: solar generation when available, and peaker generation when other outputs decline and peak demand increases. We’re proud that our facilities are actively supporting MISO, generating energy through differentiated means.”

Earthrise is developing approximately 1.5 GW comprised of five solar projects across Illinois seeking to use this approach. The projects include Northwest and Glacier Moraine Solar in Cumberland and Coles Counties, Plum Valley and Pride of the Prairie Solar in Will County and Tilton Solar in Vermillion County.

News item from Earthrise Energy