Clearway Energy Group has started construction on Swan Energy Center, a 650-MW solar facility located on portions of strip-mined land in northwestern Bates County, Missouri. The project is Clearway’s first in Missouri and is contracted under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
Swan Energy Center will generate enough electricity annually to meet the needs of approximately 200,000 homes.
“The Swan Energy Center represents a significant investment in Bates County, delivering reliable clean energy and economic benefits to the region,” said John Woody, chief development fficer at Clearway. “We’re grateful to our local partners for their trust in welcoming Clearway to the community.”
Clearway partnered with Blattner Energy on construction, which is expected to create up to 500 construction jobs at peak activity, with several long-term technician positions available once the project comes online.
Clearway has structured a 30-year “payment in lieu of taxes” agreement with Bates County that is expected to generate more than $80 million in revenue, which will support local school districts and other county services. Clearway is also providing $1 million this year to help Bates County purchase emergency equipment; $288,000 annually for the first ten years of the project’s operations to support 24 townships and road districts within Bates County for road and bridge departments; and $200,000 to the towns of Amoret and Amsterdam for improvements in their public safety equipment.
Swan Energy Center, which will use American-made solar panels and other equipment, is expected to begin commercial operations in 2028. The site will maintain native grasses and floral resources to support habitat for pollinator species, such as the monarch butterfly, and help improve soil drainage and health.
News item from Clearway Energy Group
Tell Us What You Think!