Kevin Smith, CEO, Arevon; Connie Neininger, National Policy Advisor, Center for Infrastructure and Economic Development; and Richard Leger, senior vice president, Indiana Electric at CenterPoint Energy.
Construction is underway on the 228 MWdc Posey Solar Project in Posey County, Indiana. Leaders out Arevon Energy Inc. joined CenterPoint Energy, Bechtel, participating landowners and other guests at a groundbreaking event celebrating the project.
Arevon developed Posey Solar in partnership with CenterPoint Energy, and Bechtel is the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor on the project. The project is expected to become operational in mid-2025 and the clean energy generated by the project will be distributed to meet the energy needs of homes and businesses in southwestern Indiana.
The Posey Solar Project groundbreaking event included a welcome address, celebrating the start of Indiana’s newest solar energy project; networking and refreshments; and a symbolic groundbreaking moment when project partners, landowners and esteemed guests solemnly marked the beginning of the project’s construction. Several speakers, including Kevin Smith, CEO of Arevon; Richard Leger, senior vice president, Indiana Electric at CenterPoint Energy; Ryan Hadley, executive director of the Indiana Office of Energy Development; and Connie Neininger, national policy advisor at the Center for Infrastructure and Economic Development, also shared their insights on the project’s impact.
“Renewable energy, such as solar, supports the diversification of our state’s energy portfolio, reduces the tax burden for county residents, provides economic benefits to landowners and improves the business environment for the county. Posey County, through the development of their Balanced Solar Ordinance, encourages the development of renewable energy to support the future growth and viability of their rural community,” said Neininger.
Arevon and CenterPoint Energy first announced their partnership for the Posey Solar Project in February 2021, and CenterPoint Energy received final approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to acquire the Posey Solar Project in October 2023. CenterPoint Energy will be the long-term owner and operate the project.
“We value the relationship we have built with Arevon as we continue the process to build and commission a sustainable project that will further diversify CenterPoint Energy’s electric generation portfolio,” said Richard Leger. “We remain committed to being a good neighbor in the communities we serve and look forward to delivering environmentally sustainable energy to Posey County and our entire southwest Indiana footprint through this project for years to come.”
During construction, Posey will create more than 200 full-time construction jobs and will have a multi-million dollar budget to operate and maintain the project over its estimated 35-year lifespan. The project, which is expected to include a 50-acre pollinator garden, will also contribute lease payments to landowners in Posey County and more than $30 million to local governments over the life of the project. An estimated $31.2 million will be spent in Posey County during the construction period, benefiting hotels, restaurants and other local businesses. In addition, the Posey Project has committed to contributing to the Marrs Township Fire Department over the life of the project and has also contributed $219,000 toward new communications towers that will help ensure reliable radio service for first responders.
“Posey Solar provides significant benefits to the state of Indiana and Posey County, including cost-effective renewable energy, significant construction jobs and long-term tax benefits to the region,” said Smith. “Arevon appreciates our partners and the stakeholders who made this project a reality, and we look forward to making the Posey Solar Project operational.”
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