EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA) has officially launched commercial operations at Riverstart Solar IV, a 150 MW utility-scale solar facility located in Winchester, Indiana. This project marks a significant milestone in Indiana’s energy landscape, as the state has recently emerged as a national leader in the energy transition, with other solar projects such as the Mammoth Solar Project. Currently, Indiana ranks third in the country for solar capacity additions.

Additionally, the facility is designed to generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 28,800 homes and businesses across the state annually. This rapid expansion of solar infrastructure is helping Indiana move away from its historical reliance on coal to meet the surging electricity demands driven by industrial electrification and regional data center growth.

Significance of the Riverstart Solar IV Project

The project represents a substantial economic commitment to Randolph County, with EDPR NA projecting a local and regional impact exceeding $88 million. This investment includes $51.4 million in tax revenue intended to bolster local schools and infrastructure, alongside $35 million in payments to local landowners over the project’s lifetime. Also, beyond direct infrastructure costs, the developer has also contributed over $565,000 to regional community organizations to support local education and workforce development. The construction phase further stimulated the economy by supporting approximately 625 jobs.

Total Operation Capacity of EDP Renewables

With the completion of Riverstart Solar IV, EDPR NA now operates a total of 2 GW of renewable energy capacity within Indiana, which accounts for nearly 30% of the state’s total wind and solar generation. This statewide portfolio is capable of powering the equivalent of more than 527,000 homes. Furthermore, on a national scale, the company has developed over 12.8 GW of renewable projects, including 61 wind projects, 29 solar projects, and eight energy storage facilities.

Lastly, to meet the continued demand for carbon-free power from utility and corporate offtakers, the developer is currently advancing several additional phases of the Riverstart portfolio.

Factsheet

Name: Riverstart Solar IV

Capacity: 150 MW

Energy impact: Produces enough electricity to power the equivalent of 28,800 Indiana homes and businesses each year.

Operational status: Commercial operations commenced recently.