Adapture Renewables and Alberici Break Ground on 128-MWdc Cooks Mill Solar Energy Project in Mattoon, Illinois
[Mattoon, IL, September 5, 2024] – Adapture Renewables, Inc., a utility-scale solar and energy storage project developer, owner and operator, joined local leaders, tradesmen, and community members in breaking ground today on the company’s Cooks Mill Solar Energy Project in Mattoon, Illinois. Together with Alberici Constructors, Inc., the engineering, procurement and construction contractor for the 128-MWdc solar energy project, Adapture Renewables hosted a ceremony celebrating the start of construction on the project, which will power the equivalent of approximately 20,000 homes once operational.
The ceremony, held at the project site at 3385 E. County Road 1000N in Mattoon, IL, was attended by local officials, community leaders, and representatives from Adapture Renewables and Alberici Constructors.
The Cooks Mill project is the first of two solar energy projects Adapture Renewables is developing in central Illinois. Together, the two projects will have an estimated net economic impact of $250 million for the host communities, state and region, while also creating a more diversified income for the participating landowners. The projects will also employ approximately 300 full-time equivalent workers to build the facilities. The projects’ construction and operation will bring ongoing economic benefits to the host communities through increased tax revenue, jobs, and an increase in spending at area stores, restaurants, hotels, and other local businesses.
Through the project’s construction, Alberici will also provide high school students with educational opportunities on jobs in the skilled trades and help build the next generation of construction and energy professionals through Central Illinois’ Leaders Innovating for Tomorrow (LIFT) program.
The Cooks Mill project will comprise 116,000 individual solar panels and is expected to reach commercial operation by early 2026. The project’s scale and the utilization of advanced construction technologies, such as drone pilots for real-time coordination and 3D modeling for enhanced construction quality, set a new standard for solar energy development in the area.
“We are thrilled to partner with Alberici on this project,” said Zack Zoller, VP of Engineering, Procurement and Construction for Adapture Renewables. “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and demonstrates how renewable energy farmed from the sun can power the future of technology. We are excited to deliver this project, which will serve as a critical resource for businesses within the host community, the state, and our offtaker.”
“This project was an exciting opportunity for us to leverage our expertise in large-scale infrastructure development,” said Lance Cage, Executive Vice President for Alberici. “This project not only aligns with our commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable construction solutions but also highlights the importance of innovation in achieving environmental and economic goals. We are honored by Adapture’s trust in our team as we advance renewable energy and contribute to the lasting benefits this project will bring.”
For more information about Adapture Renewables, visit the company’s website.
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About Adapture Renewables, Inc.
Adapture Renewables, Inc. is a utility-scale solar and energy storage project developer, owner and operator. The company leverages its proven track record, deep domain expertise and comprehensive in-house development, EPC management, legal and project finance services to efficiently and effectively drive projects from origination to long-term operation. Owned by KIRKBI – the private holding and investment company of the Kirk Kristiansen family founded to build a sustainable future for the LEGO® brand through generations – Adapture Renewables, Inc. has the financial footing necessary to take a diligent and thoughtful approach to project development and is invested in its projects’ long-term success. The company’s culture of creative problem-solving and shared mission to accelerate the global transition to clean energy contribute to its success deploying, owning and operating solar and energy storage assets across eleven states, along with a pipeline of projects in development across the US. Adapture Renewables, Inc. is based in Oakland, CA. For more information about Adapture Renewables, Inc., visit https://adapturerenewables.com.
About Alberici
Alberici is a leading North American construction company serving the civil, energy, institutional, commercial, heavy industrial, manufacturing, water/wastewater, and automotive industries. Founded in 1918 in St. Louis, Alberici is a recognized leader in the construction industry focused on providing clients with rock-solid reliability, the highest standards of quality and safety and innovative solutions for the most complex building needs. Alberici is ranked the 36th largest domestic builder (Engineering News-Record, May 2024) with annual revenues of over $4 billion. With approximately 3,500 salaried employees and craft professionals, the firm is headquartered in St. Louis with offices throughout North America. More information about the company is available online at www.alberici.com or by following the company on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Contacts
Leo Traub
adapturerenewables@antennagroup.com