SLC’s rPlus Energies expands Idaho presence with two acquisitions
Salt Lake City-based rPlus Energies has acquired two solar and energy storage projects near Boise, Idaho.
The projects, Blacks Creek Energy Center and Bluebird Solar, together represent a combined 900 megawatts (MW) of energy and storage capacity. The acquisition makes rPlus Energies Idaho’s largest solar and storage developer, the company said.
Blacks Creek Energy Center, acquired from Qcells, includes 400 MW of solar and an additional phase with 200 MW of storage. Bluebird Solar, acquired from Mission Clean Energy, includes 200 MW of solar and 100 MW of storage. The projects are slated to come online in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
Qcells is an international energy company with U.S. headquarters in Irvine, California, while Mission Clean Energy is based in San Francisco.
These projects build on rPlus Energies’ existing presence in Ada County, which, in addition to its downtown Boise office, includes Pleasant Valley Solar 1, developed by rPlus Energies with a minority ownership stake, and Pleasant Valley Solar 2, which is under construction and fully owned by the company. Collectively, the four developments represent more than $1.4 billion in planned investment and over 1.2 GW of solar and storage capacity in the region.
“Idaho represents one of the most exciting frontiers for energy in the American West,” said Luigi Resta, president and CEO of rPlus Energies. “Through these projects, we’re investing in the communities that are powering the region’s next generation of growth and delivering the reliable, homegrown energy that Idaho and its businesses deserve.”
“Idaho is proving that economic growth and responsible energy development go hand in hand,” said Bobbi-Jo Meuleman, president and CEO of the Boise Metro Chamber. “We’re proud to see companies like rPlus Energies investing in the infrastructure that keeps Treasure Valley competitive and powered for the future.”
Founded in 2018, rPlus Energies works to develop, own and operate large-scale renewable energy generation and electric storage projects in the United States. The company specializes in bringing projects to market through partnership with the private sector, municipalities, utilities and technology, service and finance providers. Its portfolio is a mix of solar, battery, wind and pumped storage hydro facilities.