Omaha, Nebraska – October 30, 2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recognized two Omaha-based renewable energy developers, Bluestem Energy Solutions and Sandhills Energy, for their leadership in renewable energy in the Midwest. To celebrate their unified achievements, the USDA highlighted its success in securing over $33 million in Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) Program funding for Nebraska. These loans, coordinated through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS), will support the continued progress of renewable energy projects across the Midwest.
Eric Johnson, President of Sandhills Energy, emphasized the importance of this funding:
“The impact of this USDA PACE Program funding cannot be overstated. It helps us to reduce power costs, and we’re happy to develop projects where these savings can be passed on to local rate-payers in the region for the long term. These reduced power prices, made possible in part by the PACE Program, are essential in pushing renewable energy options to communities that might otherwise be unable to afford them.”
Will Crane, Vice President of Bluestem Energy Solutions, commented on the USDA’s collaborative effort:
“When the PACE Program came out, our first reaction was that it was tailor-made for groups like Bluestem Energy Solutions and Sandhills Energy – developers who focus on rural development. The program’s mission is right in line with our goal of keeping power rates low with our utility partners. Ultimately, the PACE Program eases the financial burden of bringing utility-scale renewable energy projects to rural communities. That’s something both Bluestem Energy Solutions and Sandhills Energy are excited about.”
Investing in American Clean Energy
At the Investing in American Clean Energy Event in Omaha, Nebraska, the USDA recognized how the Midwest-focused projects enhance energy independence and grid resiliency. The USDA funding further enables these companies to continue their mission of providing renewable energy development to communities of all sizes. Cindy Axne, USDA Senior Advisor for Rural Engagement, Delivery & Prosperity, highlighted the significance of this investment:
“We’re here today because of the partnerships Bluestem Energy Solutions and Sandhills Energy have made. The USDA couldn’t move forward with opportunities to clean up our environment and make sure that we’re producing clean energy in our own backyards without your partnership. Furthermore, thank you from President Biden and Vice President Harris for helping boost our economy, strengthen local production, put money in the pockets of rural Americans, and combat climate challenges impacting communities across our nation.”
Axne added “I’m grateful that you’re participating in bringing economic opportunity to areas outside of the big cities because you know how important it is for them to be there to support the needs of our larger cities and all Americans living in this country. This idea of partnering with our local communities – using our natural resources where they are – creates opportunities for financial success, but also helps our entire country. It’s such an incredible example of the American spirit.”
Pascal Caputo, Manager of State Affairs for First Solar, spoke from the manufacturing perspective:
“First Solar’s commitment to U.S. manufacturing has remained since our founding 30 years ago. We’re the only U.S.-headquartered company among the largest solar manufacturers in the world, as well as the largest panel manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere. We’re proud to manufacture US-made solar panels that support domestic supply chains and America’s manufacturing base. First Solar will reach 14 gigawatts of US manufacturing capacity annually by the end of 2026 once our Louisiana advanced manufacturing facility is completed.”
USDA PACE Award Impacts
Sandhills Energy and Bluestem Energy Solutions PACE projects in Nebraska combined will provide over 20 megawatts of renewable energy for rural areas in Nebraska.
The USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has awarded a total of over $916 million in PACE Program funding across Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
In addition to their projects in Nebraska, Sandhills Energy and Bluestem Energy Solutions also have PACE awards in the following states:
Sandhills Energy
- $12 million for four solar facilities in Colorado, totaling 7.8 megawatts of renewable energy, enough to power 1,748 households yearly.
- $7 million for three solar facilities and power purchase agreements in Iowa, generating 7.6 megawatts of renewable energy across three rural cities.
Bluestem Energy Solutions
- $6.6 million for a solar facility in Kentucky, which will produce 5 megawatts of renewable energy to power more than 900 homes annually.
- $8 million for a solar facility in Tennessee, the 6.1 megawatts of renewable energy will power 1,200 households each year.
- $81.5 million for 25-megawatt solar facilities and 120-megawatt hours of battery energy storage facilities in nine East Texas rural counties.
Economic Implications
The economic impact of these projects extends beyond energy production. Once completed, the facilities developed by Bluestem Energy Solutions and Sandhills Energy will power thousands of homes when power is most needed. USDA Pace Program funding has proven essential to providing these Midwest communities with access to clean, renewable energy.
Alec Gorynski, Sr. Vice President of Economic Development for the Greater Omaha Chamber expressed:
“The number one thing that is necessary for our economic growth as a region and as a state is, of course, power. The projects of these two Omaha-based companies serve as a blueprint for how we can continue to generate renewable power and add renewable energy in a way that’s accessible and affordable. We can make it part of the way we describe our utility package on behalf of this region.”
Eric Williams, Director Omaha Public Power District – Subdivision 6 emphasized:
“As the clean energy transition continues to accelerate, we need to make sure we have an equitable distribution of the benefits to people in cities, people in small communities, and people in rural areas across the country. Projects like those funded by the PACE Program across Nebraska make renewable energy accessible and create jobs offering young people a future with real opportunities right in their communities.”
For more information or media inquiries, please contact Sandhills Energy.
Find Images from the Event
About Sandhills Energy
Sandhills Energy is a renewable energy development company based in Nebraska and Iowa. Focused on commercial and utility generation, the company has extensive experience in project development, from identification to engineering, construction, and operations. Sandhills Energy provides renewable energy development at any scale, working closely with local communities to enhance energy independence and grid resiliency.
About Bluestem Energy Solutions
Bluestem Energy Solutions is an experienced developer, owner, and operator of renewable energy resources for our utility partners. Founded in 2012, BES provides affordable, reliable, and sustainable solutions including solar, wind, and battery storage systems. With headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska, BES is now a trusted partner that provides reliable, local power to electric utilities across the nation.
Contact/Media Inquiries :
(402) 389-1668 or news@sandhillsenergy.com
1403 Harney Street, Suite 200
Omaha, NE 68102
