Swift Current Energy has secured a tax equity investment from Google for its Double Black Diamond Solar project, an 800 MWdc (593 MWac) initiative in southern Illinois. The tax equity financing benefits from the energy communities and domestic content incentives included in the Inflation Reduction Act. Situated 30 miles west of Springfield, Illinois, the project is currently under construction and is slated to begin commercial operations by early 2025.
Throughout its operational lifespan, the project will provide benefits to the communities in Sangamon and Morgan counties. The project, which will be capable of powering 100,000 homes annually, is anticipated to cut regional carbon dioxide emissions by around one million tons per year. Swift Current is responsible for developing the project and will retain long-term ownership and operation of the facility.
Previously, Swift Current announced that Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), Societe Generale, Truist, and ING had provided the construction financing for the project. Swift Current selected McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. as its engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partner. The project will use First Solar modules, most of which are manufactured in the US, along with solar trackers from Nextracker.
