Solar Project to Bring Tax Revenue, Construction Jobs to Scott County

BLODGETT, Missouri – A solar field able to generate at least 200 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy is anticipated to bring tax revenue, construction jobs, landowner lease payments and other economic benefits to Scott County. The project under development north of Blodgett by Capital Dynamics, through its Clean Energy Infrastructure (CEI) business, and Tenaska represents an estimated investment of at least $175 million.

“The demand for solar is growing, and we are excited to bring this project to Scott County,” said Justin Johnson, CEO of Arevon, an affiliate of Capital Dynamics. “Solar fields are quiet neighbors that provide significant economic benefits with very little burden on services. We look forward to developing this project here and becoming a part of the local community for many years to come.”

The Kelso Solar Project is planned for roughly 2,000 acres along Interstate 55 near the town of Blodgett. Land for the solar field is under voluntary lease with local landowners. Pending necessary approvals, construction is anticipated to begin in 2022 or 2023 and span one year. Once complete, the solar field will be operational for 35 years.

A solar field of this size is an important economic driver for the local economy. A study conducted by Strategic Economic Research, LLC, in collaboration with Dr. David G. Loomis a professor of economics at Illinois State University, estimates that the Kelso Solar Project would result in:

• More than 237 full-time equivalent construction jobs (direct and indirect), including 82 jobs in Scott County.
• 10 full-time operations jobs for the 35-year project life (direct and indirect), of which 8 will be in Scott County.
• A contribution of $10.6 million to Scott County’s gross domestic product (GDP) during construction, with a $1.1 million addition to GDP each year during operations.
• Expenditures on payroll, goods and services of almost $22.5 million during construction and $640,000 annually for the 35-year operations period.
• Estimated tax revenues of $9.4 million, including $6.6 million to local schools, over its lifetime; at the same time, the solar field would place little burden on public services.

These estimated benefits are based on a 200-MW solar project. Kelso Solar has the potential to grow to 350 MW, which would result in increased benefits for Scott County.

Operating solar fields are considered good neighbors: little to no sound outside the fence line; no odor or emissions; no tall towers or equipment (the tops of solar panels typically sit 12 feet or less from the ground); and no increase in local traffic.

The Kelso Solar Project team is committed to building strong local relationships. Frank Marshall, a lifelong resident of Scott County, has been hired as the project’s local representative.

“This solar farm is an exciting project in that, as a renewable energy facility, it will allow our area to take part in the production of electricity in an environmentally responsible manner. The Kelso Solar Project will create new job opportunities and additional tax revenues for Scott County and will have minimal environmental impact during the project life,” Marshall said.

Marshall grew up in Blodgett, where his family has farmed the same ground for more than 120 years. Marshall has practiced law in Sikeston for 35 years and has served as a municipal division judge for multiple communities in the area. His wife, Missy, is the director of Three Rivers College – Sikeston. They enjoy visiting their son and daughter and four grandchildren.

Marshall can be reached at Frank@kelsosolar.com or 573-545-8060. He is also available at the Kelso Solar Project’s new local office at 219 N. Hawkins in Sikeston. Office hours are 1-5 p.m. Mondays, 8 a.m.-noon Wednesdays or by appointment.

Additional project information is available at www.kelsosolar.com.

About Tenaska

Tenaska is one of the leading independent energy companies in the United States, with a well- earned reputation for high ethical standards and expertise in natural gas and electric power marketing, energy management, development and acquisition of energy assets, operation of generating facilities and much more. Forbes magazine consistently ranks Tenaska among the 50 largest private U.S. companies. Gross operating revenues were $7.7 billion in 2020.

Tenaska is a 2021 U.S. Best Managed Company, an honor bestowed on private companies that demonstrate excellence in strategic planning and execution, corporate culture and financial results.

Tenaska has developed, managed and/or operated approximately 22 gigawatts (GW) of natural gas-fueled and renewables generation. Its development pipeline includes more than 16 GW of solar, wind and energy storage projects. The current Tenaska operating fleet includes 7.5 GW of generating facilities.

More information is available at www.tenaska.com.

About Arevon

Arevon is a global provider and North America’s leading renewable energy company, offering comprehensive renewable energy infrastructure solutions to institutional investors and long-term owners that maximize value across the entire lifecycle of assets. Arevon is an affiliate of Capital Dynamics, benefitting from the global scale and extensive market insight of the global Capital Dynamics Clean Energy Infrastructure (CEI) platform.

Arevon’s global fleet of PV solar and onshore wind assets now exceeds 6.5 GWdc, representing over $9 billion in invested capital. Arevon operates the 2nd-largest portfolio of operating solar assets in North America, with over 3.5 GWdc of commercially operating utility-scale, commercial/industrial, distributed generation, and battery storage assets. With an additional 3.0 GWdc of solar assets currently under construction in the United States, Arevon is leading the renewable energy revolution in one of the most exciting industries of the 21st century. In addition, Arevon in the UK manages CEI’s platform of over 200 MW of operational onshore wind and solar assets in the UK, a further 450 MW of construction assets in Europe and is mandated on the acquisition, development and construction of an extensive pipeline of utility- scale solar assets in the UK and Europe. For more information, please visit www.arevonenergy.com.