Omaha, Nebraska – September 16, 2024
Sandhills Energy (SE Municipal Iowa, LLC) is set to begin construction on two solar projects in Iowa – each exceeding 4 megawatts (MW) – in Indianola and Waverly. These projects are being developed simultaneously as part of an ongoing collaboration between Sandhills Energy and the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN) to enhance renewable energy generation and promote energy independence across 16 communities at 15 sites in the Midwest. Groundbreaking ceremonies for both locations will be held on September 25, with events scheduled for 10 a.m. in Indianola, IA, and 4 p.m. in Waverly, IA. Construction on site is expected to begin in Q1 2025 on both projects pending final environmental approval from the USDA.
Indianola and Waverly are among four of the Iowa-based MEAN member communities poised to benefit from low-cost solar energy and lasting energy independence. This partnership allows local utilities Indianola Municipal Utilities (IMU) and Waverly Utilities (WU) to receive wholesale electricity supply from MEAN and integrate solar-generated power with traditional energy sources to improve local grid resilience and lower costs during peak power usage. Denver, IA, and Sergeant Bluff, IA, are set for similar solar installations in 2025.
“As WU moves to diversify its power mix, solar is an important component,” said WU General Manager, Curt Atkins. “With the decommissioning of our hydro units in 2022, the new solar array will more than replace what the hydros produced.”
Grid Diversification
For IMU, its solar installation offers strategic, long-term improvements for the community. “Indianola Municipal Utilities is not just generating reliable electricity for years to come; we’re creating a cleaner, greener future for our community, our kids, and their kids, too,” said IMU General Manager, Chris DesPlanques.
The 4.2-megawatt facility in Indianola, which is located on 25 acres and owned by IMU, is expected to reduce peak demand load during summer by 10% and up to 40% during winter. The solar facility in Waverly will cover approximately 24 acres and provide up to 6.5 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually.
Forward-Thinking Financials
Energy resilience for these rural communities is always top-of-mind, but it’s also important to consider the long-term financial advantages of adding renewable energy to power options. “This is a unique opportunity for a city the size of Waverly to offer solar to our customers at competitive rates without bearing the construction and maintenance costs ourselves,” said WU Board of Trustees Chair Bob Buckingham. “We’ve been working toward this for a while, and we’re excited to explore the solar possibilities for the community of Waverly.”
The Iowa-based solar installations feature future-proof, state-of-the-art components designed to continue providing these communities with reliable power well into the future. “The First Solar Series 6 photovoltaic panels in these solar facilities are ideal for Midwest conditions, offering hail resistance, under-mount framing to shed snow, and the industry’s best warranty against degradation,” said Raki Giannakouros, Executive Vice President at Sandhills Energy. “In a volatile utility market, the solar project will provide stability and day-one savings that are projected to increase over time as wholesale energy rates rise.”
The MEAN Portfolio
Sandhills Energy and MEAN kicked off the 15-site series of solar installations with groundbreakings in Alliance, NE and Sidney, NE in June. Solar facilities in these member communities will account for up to 5% of energy usage by 16 municipalities (listed below).
Colorado: Delta, Fort Morgan, Wray, and Yuma
Iowa: Denver, Indianola, Sergeant Bluff, and Waverly
Nebraska: Alliance, Ansley, Crete, Gering, Imperial, Pender, Sidney, and Stuart
Eric Johnson, President at Sandhills Energy, said, “Communities like those in the MEAN portfolio are why we do what we do. These rural communities are able to realize more self-sufficiency with a stronger, more resilient grid, and the cost-effective rate provides a measurable economic impact to residents and businesses alike.”
About Sandhills Energy
Sandhills Energy is a renewable energy development company based in Nebraska and Iowa. Focused on commercial and utility generation, Sandhills Energy has extensive experience in project development, from identification to engineering, construction, and operations. Sandhills Energy provides renewable energy development at any scale. Sandhills is well-positioned to work closely with utilities, municipalities, and landowners to accelerate the growth of renewable energy adoption by utilities and farming communities.
About MEAN
The Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska is based in Lincoln, Nebraska, and provides wholesale power supply and energy-related services to more than 60 participating communities in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, and Wyoming.
Contact/Media Inquiries :
(402) 389-1668 or news@sandhillsenergy.com
1403 Harney Street, Suite 200
Omaha, NE 68102
