Wautoma Solar Energy Project
Innergex Renewable Energy USA is in the early stages of developing a solar panel energy facility in the Wautoma Valley, located in Benton County, Washington. We are currently targeting a project that will generate approximately 400 megawatts (MWac) of electricity, with a four-hour battery energy storage system (BESS) as an option.
The proposed project will consist of a solar field with arrays of photovoltaic (PV) panels that will be neatly arranged in rows. Other equipment on site would include inverters, battery energy storage system, the project substation, underground and overhead electrical cables, and operations and maintenance buildings. While we are studying more than 3,500 acres, we anticipate the project, as currently contemplated, to occupy about 3,000 acres.
The project is in the early stages of development and changes to the project size and configuration are anticipated in consideration of environmental, technical, and community engagement input. We have completed major environmental surveys for the proposed facility and are facilitating studies to secure interconnection and transmission service with the Bonneville Power Administration.
At this stage in the development process, we are beginning to engage with surrounding landowners and local stakeholders to share information about the proposed facility and gain valuable insight and input from those who are most familiar with Benton County.
Virtual Public Information Meeting
Innergex Renewable Development USA, LLC held its first virtual public meeting for the proposed Wautoma Solar Energy Project on April 11, 2022.
See the event slides and the meeting recording.
Thank you for your participation! Monitor this page for more updates about the project.
For any questions, please email wautomasolar@innergex.com. We look forward to seeing you there!
Local Benefits
Over the life of the project, Wautoma Solar will make major direct and indirect contributions to the local community. Landowners participating in the project will receive direct compensation in the form of long-term land lease payments. Furthermore, the project will also pay property tax to Benton County which will increase their tax base revenues and benefit surrounding landowners.
For context, the property taxes generated by a 400 MWac solar project are anticipated to contribute about $3 to 4 million dollars to Benton County in the first year of commercial operation, and declining in subsequent years according to the County’s schedule.
FAQ
WHY IS THIS PROJECT BEING PROPOSED NOW?
There is growing demand for renewable energy in Washington from both corporations and electric utilities and the regional power market pricing supports the construction of this new capacity. Significant advances in solar PV technology over the last 10 years leading to decreases in solar energy equipment pricing have made solar energy project development in Washington more viable.
WHAT WILL THE PROPOSED PROJECT ACCOMPLISH?
When operational, the Wautoma Solar Energy Project will be a quiet renewable energy facility with limited visual impact and will be a major source of clean power in the region.
WHY USE THIS AREA FOR A RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT?
The area is ideal because it has a good solar resource, available transmission capacity on the electrical grid and flat open ground.
Funding
Innergex Renewable Energy USA will be responsible for 100% of the development, financing, construction and start-up costs. After completion, Innergex will also be responsible for all operational and maintenance costs, as well as all decommissioning costs.
Timeline
Innergex is considering building the project in phases. Innergex expects to begin construction at the first quarter of 2024, at the earliest. Construction typically lasts 14-16 months. Therefore, the first phase could be operational in the third quarter of 2025. It would then operate for the next 30-50 years, all while directly contributing to the community.
Downloads
Handouts
Wautoma Solar Energy Project information brochure
Folletto de información acerca del projecto solar Wautoma
Recording
Contact us
It is important to Innergex that we keep you informed as we go forward with this potential project. If you have questions, comments or would you to share, contact us at :
Wautoma Solar Energy Project, C/O Innergex Renewable Energy
3636 Nobel Drive, Suite 260,
San Diego, CA, 92122
USA
