Pritzker attends ribbon cut at Mulligan Solar Farm in Lincoln
Apex Clean Energy announces donation to Lincoln Rural Fire Protection District

 

[August 20, 2022] 

On Thursday, elected officials, landowners, and partners including EPC contractor Signal Energy Constructors joined Apex Clean Energy representatives at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Mulligan Solar, the first project owned and operated solely by Apex.

Mark Goodwin, Apex president and CEO, and Governor J.B. Pritzker delivered remarks to celebrate this milestone for Logan County and the state of Illinois.

Since July, the 70 MW facility has been operating and delivering enough clean energy to the electric grid to power approximately 14,000 U.S. homes. Mulligan Solar, which employed over 300 workers during peak construction, will provide over 30 years of annual revenue for Logan County, schools, and other taxing bodies, totaling $7 million in local tax revenue.

“To date, Apex has commercialized five utility-scale renewable energy projects in Illinois, totaling over $1 billion of investment,” said Goodwin during the ceremony. “Rural communities, business leaders, and partners in state government share our vision, and we are proud to be here celebrating this project as one more milestone achieved in our mission to accelerate the shift to clean energy.”
 

“We have plans for many more wind, solar, and battery storage projects representing an additional $3 billion of private capital investment in the state. During their operational life, these projects will collectively pay over $500 million in taxes and will drive significant new construction jobs in the state,” Goodwin added.

“Solar has become one of the most cost-effective sources of electricity available today, and its ability to generate power at peak times helps reduce electricity costs for all consumers,” said Governor Pritzker. “We know that we also need to add new energy production to lower the cost of electricity for consumers and businesses alike.”

“Apex Clean Energy is a major player in the growth that we are seeing … [and it] shows no signs of stopping anytime soon, with plans for billions more in private capital investment in Illinois alone. Thank you for all that you do to advance clean energy in our state,” added the governor.
 

Mark Goodwin presented a check to The Conservation Fund as part of the Apex Clean Energy Conservation Grant program, which donates $1,000 per commercialized megawatt to regional conservation efforts. As a 70 MW project, Mulligan Solar donated $70,000 to The Conservation Fund to support the Hill Prairie Habitat Restoration Project. Located about eight miles west of the Mulligan Solar facility, this project will establish and enhance up to 70 acres
of grassland and prairie habitat. The project is a partnership between the Conservation Fund, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and private landowners, among others.

Lincoln Rural Fire also received funding from Apex to purchase a brush fire unit, which can be placed on the back of an ATV to reach areas that are difficult to access with a large brush truck.

“Safety is one of our core values, and local emergency responders help us uphold this value at our projects. We are grateful to Lincoln Rural Fire and other emergency responders for their dedication and for working with us to ensure the safe operation of Mulligan Solar,” shared Goodwin.

About Apex Clean Energy

Apex Clean Energy was founded with a singular focus: to accelerate the shift to clean energy. Through origination, construction, and operation of utility-scale wind, solar, and storage facilities, distributed energy resources, and green fuel technologies, Apex is expanding the renewable frontier across North America. Our mission-driven team of more than 300 professionals uses a data-focused approach and an unrivaled portfolio of projects to create solutions for the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking customers. For more information about how Apex is building the energy company of the future, visit apexcleanenergy.com

[NATASHA MONTAGUE
Public Engagement Manager, Operations
Apex Clean Energy]