EPC contractor, module supplier picked for 593-MW Illinois PV project

Swift Current Energy, an independent power producer (IPP) and renewables developer, has hired McCarthy Building Companies to build its 593-MW AC/800-MW DC Double Black Diamond solar park in Illinois and ordered First Solar panels for the project.

Swift Current Energy announced its choice for engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor on Wednesday, saying building works are due to be launched late this spring. The construction group will oversee the design, procurement, construction, and commissioning of the solar complex, touted as the largest one in Illinois.

US thin-film photovoltaics (PV) maker First Solar Inc (NASDAQ:FSLR) will supply 1.6 million panels, the bulk of which will be made domestically, while trackers will be delivered by Nextracker. The peak construction phase of the project is expected to take around 14 months, involving more than 400 workers.

The Double Black Diamond complex is planned to start generating electricity by the autumn of next year. Once up and running, it will be able to cover the consumption of more than 85,000 local homes annually.

The City of Chicago in August 2022 committed to buying electricity from Double Black Diamond via a power purchase agreement (PPA) between the City and electricity retailer Constellation Energy. US insurance group State Farm will also procure green power from the complex.

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