Clearway Energy starts building 650-megawatt solar project in Bates County

An empty strip of dirt in Missouri is about to become a giant power plant. Clearway Energy Group, a major renewable power developer, started construction on the Swan Energy Center in northwestern Bates County, Missouri. This massive solar facility spans old strip-mined land and will produce 650 megawatts of electricity — which is enough power for about 200,000 homes. This is Clearway's very first project in the state. They locked in a 20-year power purchase agreement to sell the energy. Clearway partnered with Blattner Energy for the build, which will create up to 500 construction jobs at peak activity. You might wonder if local towns get anything out of this besides dusty roads. The company set up a 30-year payment in lieu of taxes agreement with Bates County that will bring in more than $80 million in revenue for local schools and county services. Clearway is also handing over $1 million right now for emergency equipment. They are tossing in $288,000 every year for the first ten years to help 24 townships fix roads and bridges. The towns of Amoret and Amsterdam are also getting $200,000 for public safety gear. Even the monarch butterflies get an upgrade, since the site will use native grasses to support pollinators and soil health. "The Swan Energy Center represents a significant investment in Bates County, delivering reliable clean energy and economic benefits to the region," said John Woody, chief development officer at Clearway. The project will use American-made solar panels and expects to start commercial operations in 2028. Hopefully your electric bill drops just as fast as the panels go up.