Phase I of Escape project online: Utility-scale renewable energy company backed by Ullico Infrastructure Fund, Estuary Power has commissioned phase I of its 185 MW solar and 400 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Lincoln County, Nevada. The Escape Solar and Storage Project with 70 MW solar capacity is now supplying power to Overton Power District No. 5, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Las Vegas under long-term power purchase agreements (PPA). The remaining 115 MW solar and 400 MWh storage capacity will supply power to MGM Resorts International later this year, under phase II.

$308 million for 185 MW: Utility-scale renewable energy developer Exus Renewables North America has successfully closed financing worth $308 million for its US projects. The round was led by ING Capital and PNC Capital Markets, LLC. It will support a portfolio of projects, including the 185 MW Zia solar power portfolio in New Mexico. Of the total raised, $149.6 million will be spent on 9 operational solar farms under the Zia portfolio. These are located across New Mexico, and supported by long-term power purchase agreements (PPA) with Public Service Company of New Mexico, Central New Mexico Electric Cooperative, Columbus Electric Cooperative, and the City of Rio Rancho, spanning 20-25 years from commercial operation. The remaining $158.6 million in financing will go to the company’s Keystone wind portfolio.

70 MW changes hands in Pennsylvania: ENGIE North America is acquiring a portfolio of 22 net energy metered (NEM) solar energy projects totaling over 70 MW capacity in Pennsylvania. Prospect14, a solar energy developer, has designed these distributed solar energy projects. ENGIE says this portfolio will meet the growing demand for distributed solar in Pennsylvania and improve the financeability of NEM solar projects.