Ground broken on $250M Gibson Solar project
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Arizona-based Arevon Energy Inc. has broken ground on a $250 million solar project in Gibson County. Known as Gibson Solar, the 251-megawatt solar farm is expected to generate enough energy to power the equivalent of more than 30,000 homes annually.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place earlier this month, attended by Congressman Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Gibson Economic Development CEO Tami Hack, and Gibson County Commissioner Nick Burns.
“The Gibson Solar Project represents a significant investment in our state’s future and its economy, highlighting Indiana’s commitment to sustainable growth,” Bucshon said in a news release. “With an increasing number of renewable energy projects in development, I am excited for Hoosiers to continue to lead the way in providing a diverse array of reliable energy options.”
Arevon, which has three other solar projects currently under construction in Pike and Posey counties, said the Gibson Solar project will create more than 250 full-time construction jobs.
The project, according to the developer, will also generate more than $83 million in local government payments over the life of the solar farm, providing revenue for schools, first responders and other local needs. Local landowners will also receive steady payments over the same time period.
Arevon is partnering with Merrillville-based Northern Indiana Public Service Co. (NIPSCO), which will own and operate the solar farm after construction is completed.
“We are pleased to partner with Arevon on Gibson Solar, and we are looking forward to the addition of more solar energy to our generation portfolio,” NIPSCO President and Chief Operating Officer Vince Parisi said in the release. “The construction of Gibson Solar is a crucial step in advancing NIPSCO’s energy generation transition plan to provide sustainable, cost-effective, and reliable energy now and into the future.”
Arevon did not immediately provide a timeline for the project’s completion.
The groundbreaking comes three months after Arevon began work on the $352 million Posey Solar project. Work also got underway this month on the Ratts 1 Solar project in Petersburg, which also includes the Heirloom Solar Project that is providing energy for Meta Platforms Inc.’s regional operations.