The Riverstart Solar Park in Randolph County, Indiana, continues to expand through multiple development phases led by EDP Renewables. The 100-MW third phase officially launched with a long-term power purchase agreement backed by Amazon.
Meanwhile, subsequent phases, such as the 150-MW fourth phase, have also become fully operational. Developers are actively advancing later stages like Riverstart V toward completion to build on the site’s multi-phase clean energy footprint. These expansions bring substantial lease payments to local landowners and maintain steady construction activity across the region.
Similar Projects
In another similar project that is being developed in Indiana, Sullivan County Power Project is taking shape steadily. The Riverstart Solar Park connects directly to the Sullivan County Power Project as part of Indiana’s massive utility-scale clean energy expansion. Both developments represent multi-hundred-megawatt solar investments designed to feed the regional Midwest power grid. Together, these mega-projects demonstrate how major developers are turning rural Indiana farmland into key hubs for the nation’s energy transition.
January 17, 2022
Construction on the 200 MW Riverstart Solar Park in Randolph County, Indiana, has been completed. The solar project was overseen by EDP Renewables, which has promised a US$54 million grant to nearby landowners. The Riverstart Solar Park is a US$180 million capital investment with a 20-year purchase power agreement (PPA) with Hoosier Energy, which will use the energy generated by the solar park to serve areas in central and southern Indiana as well as southeastern Illinois. The Riverstart project is the state’s largest solar farm in terms of capacity, and it will be able to cover the annual consumption demands of more than 36,000 families.
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An 80 percent stake in Riverstart Solar Park was sold to Connor, Clark & Lunn Infrastructure (CC&L Infrastructure) and its investment partner, Desjardins Group, at the end of last year. CC&L Infrastructure and its investment partner, Desjardins Group, will own and operate Riverstart Solar Park alongside EDP Renewables North America. Randolph County has gained 700 employment as a result of the park’s development. In March of last year, EDP Renewables North America announced a deal with NIPSCO for the development and construction of the DPR Indiana Crossroads Solar Park, likewise of 200 MW capacity and situated in Indiana, which would begin operations this year.
Commentary on the Riverstart Solar Park in Indiana
“EDP Renewables is committed to becoming a leader in clean energy advancement, and the completion of Riverstart Solar Park is another step in that direction.” “Riverstart moves Indiana closer to a sustainable energy future,” stated Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO of EDPR NA. “With this agreement, we continue to diversify Hoosier Energy’s resource portfolio, including a greater amount of renewable sources.” “Riverstart Solar Park will provide an affordable supply of renewable energy for the next two decades and is a perfect fit for our members’ long-term requirements,” said Donna Walker, president and CEO of Hoosier Energy.
Project Factsheet: Riverstart Solar Park
Project Name: Riverstart Solar Park
Developer and Owner: EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA)
Location: Randolph County, Indiana (approx. 80 miles northeast of Indianapolis)
Technology: Ground-mounted utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV)
Total Capacity: 450 MW across operational phases
Project Status: Phase I (200 MW) online since 2021; expansion phases operational or in development
Clean Energy Output and Offtakers
- Generation Capability: Equivalent to powering over 91,000 Indiana homes
Key Power Offtakers:
- Hoosier Energy: PPA for initial 200 MW capacity
- Amazon: Corporate PPA supporting Phase III expansion
Economic and Environmental Impact
- Total Regional Impact: $150 Million invested in local economic activity
- Landowner Payments: $8.7+ Million paid to local landowners as a stable revenue stream
- Job Creation: Supported nearly 800 construction jobs and 14 permanent full-time positions
- Environmental Benefit: Saves over 571 million gallons of water annually compared to conventional generation
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