Arevon Energy, Inc. has announced the start of operations at its 430 megawatt (MWdc) Kelso Solar Project located in Scott County, Missouri. The project, developed and constructed by Arevon, represents an investment of more than $500 million and will be owned and operated by the company.
The two-phase solar facility marks Arevon’s first utility-scale project in Missouri. With the project now operational, the state’s solar capacity has increased by nearly 50 percent. The facility is capable of producing enough electricity to supply more than 62,000 homes annually.
Economic and Community Impact
Apart from contributing to renewable energy generation, the Kelso Solar Project has also supported local economic activity in Scott County. During the construction phase, the project created employment for more than 450 workers. Increased activity around the project also boosted spending at nearby local stores, hotels, and restaurants.
Over its operational lifetime, the solar facility is expected to provide more than $62 million in property tax payments, which will support schools, infrastructure, and emergency services in the region.
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Marks Project Launch
To celebrate the project’s launch, Arevon organised a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by project partners, community members, local business owners, landowners, and officials from Scott County.
During the event, Justin Johnson, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Arevon, delivered the opening remarks. Other speakers included Danny Tetley, Presiding Commissioner at the Scott County Commission; Sarah Mitchell Garner, Marketing and Foundation Outreach Manager at Missouri Delta Medical Center; Clay Schermann, Chief Development Officer at Southeast Missouri Food Bank; and Missy Marshall, Director at Three Rivers College, Sikeston and Dexter. Kiana Khalilnejad, Construction Project Manager at Arevon, served as the master of ceremonies.
Speaking at the event, Justin Johnson, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Arevon said, “After years of responsible development and construction, I am proud to see the Kelso Solar Project, Arevon’s first large-scale project in Missouri, generating safe, domestic-made energy.”
He added, “Kelso Solar reflects the strong collaboration among Arevon, our partners, and Scott County’s landowners and local leaders, who all played a critical role in bringing this project to fruition. We look forward to Kelso Solar serving America’s energy needs for many decades.”
Danny Tetley, Presiding Commissioner at the Scott County Commission also commented on the project’s impact, stating, “The Kelso Solar Project is a meaningful investment in Scott County’s future, it strengthens our tax base, supports critical public services, and adds a new energy resource to our region.”
Community Support Initiatives
Arevon has supported several initiatives in Scott County during the project’s development, including:
- $525,000 donation for a solar-powered bus carport at Scott County Central School District
- $300,000 contribution to the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center for construction of a new gymnasium
- $300,000 funding for Chromebooks for Scott County R-IV School District students and $145,000 for safety and STEM programs
- Funding a vehicle for the Scott County Rural Fire Protection District
- Supporting installation of a secondary water well in the City of Blodgett
- Participating in food distribution programmes with the Southeast Missouri Food Bank
Regional Renewable Expansion
Arevon is continuing to expand its renewable energy portfolio in the Midwest region of the United States. Recently, the company started operations at the Ratts 1 and Heirloom Solar Projects in Indiana, representing 264 MWdc of solar capacity and a $400 million investment. It is also progressing with the 124 MWdc Big Muddy Solar Project in Illinois, valued at around $200 million.
Additionally, Arevon previously developed and managed construction of the 251 MWdc Gibson Solar Project and the 228 MWdc Posey Solar Project in Indiana for local utilities. The company is also advancing development of other renewable energy projects across the region.
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