Bloomington-based National Grid Renewables proudly announced Thursday the successful groundbreaking at the largest solar project in coal-state Kentucky, called “Unbridled.”
“We’re both proud and excited to be constructing the largest solar renewable energy project in the state of Kentucky. Unbridled is our first project within the state and exemplifies our commitment to the clean energy transition and the benefits it provides to rural economies in the form of new tax revenue and jobs throughout America.”
Blake Nixon, National Grid Renewables President
Unbridled project
As per the press release, the Unbridled is located in Henderson and Webster Counties. National Grid Renewables expects it to advance as the top solar energy producer in the state with its astounding 160 megawatts (MW) capacity.
The Unbridled project will officially come online as early as next year, with the aid of partner North Dakota-based Wanzek Construction. According to Electrek, it can sufficiently provide clean energy to about 120,000 households per year.
Economic impact
National Grid Renewables and the state of Kentucky expect the Unbridled project to yield nearly $42 million in direct economic impact over the initial two decades, including the following:
- minimum of 200 new job opportunities for locals
- $12 million+ in new tax revenue
- $24 million+ to local farmers and landowners
In addition, the project will also provide a total of $800,000 via a dedicated project charitable fund in the first 20 years. It secured a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) from Big Rivers Electric Corporation in 2020.
“The Unbridled Solar Project will be a new and valuable addition to the diverse power portfolio needed to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable energy to our Member-Owners. This large-scale project also prioritizes our region with solar development that directly benefits the local economy and generates power for the people we serve.”
Bob Berry, Big Rivers Electric Corporation President and CEO
Kentucky starts to adopt renewables
The construction of the 160 MW Unbridled project is indeed a significant milestone for the state of Kentucky. For context, Kentucky is the fifth-leading coal producer in the US.
It currently homes approximately one out of five (or 20%) active coal mines in the country, which is more than any other state after West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
The US Energy Information Administration also revealed that coal accounts for about 68% of the utility-scale electricity net generation in the state as of last year.
All that said, the shift to renewable energy like solar is crucial for Kentucky to align with the country’s push toward clean and sustainable energy. It is indeed promising to see Kentucky’s gradual adoption of renewables.
