Solar Power Shines Bright in Arkansas
A New Era of Clean Energy
Primergy Solar, a leading developer, owner, and operator of utility-scale solar and energy storage projects, has announced that its 100-MWac solar project in Ashley County, Arkansas is now fully operational. The Amazon Solar Farm Arkansas—Prairie Mist has begun transmitting power to the grid, marking a significant milestone in the company’s mission to develop impactful projects that benefit local communities.
A Monumental Achievement
Reaching commercial operation is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Primergy’s team and its partners. “Prairie Mist represents a step forward in our mission to develop projects that make a positive impact on local communities and meet the diverse needs of our customers,” said Ty Daul, CEO of Primergy.
Connecting Communities
The Prairie Mist project connects to Entergy’s transmission system in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s (MISO) operating territory, ensuring a reliable supply of clean energy to the region. Under a power purchase agreement, the project will deliver solar energy, while capacity attributes will be sold under a 20-year contract to the city of North Little Rock.
Partnerships and Community Benefits
Primergy partnered with Primoris Renewable Energy, a premier utility-scale solar contractor, as the engineering, procurement, and construction partner for the project. The project created approximately 200 construction jobs and is expected to contribute about $10 million in tax benefits for Ashley County over its operating life. Furthermore, Primergy is giving back to the community by building an ADA-accessible playground and a shade structure at Hamburg High School.
Financing and Investment
Primergy secured $300 million in debt and tax equity financing in 2023 for the construction and development of the project. The debt facilities were led by SMBC as the transaction agent, Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale, Societe Generale, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, while the tax equity investment was led by PNC Bank.
A Brighter Future Ahead
With the Prairie Mist project now fully operational, Primergy Solar is one step closer to achieving its mission of developing impactful projects that benefit local communities and meet the diverse needs of its customers. As the company continues to grow and expand its portfolio, it’s clear that the future of clean energy is looking brighter than ever.
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