Geronimo Power has officially started construction on its Bee Hollow solar park, with a capacity of 150 megawatts (MW), located in St. Clair County, Illinois. The project is integrated into the grid operated by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) and is projected to generate a direct economic impact valued at $54mn over the lifetime of the site.
Targeted local fiscal and social returns
The Bee Hollow project is expected to deliver $17mn in new tax revenue over a twenty-year period, benefiting the county, municipalities, and local school districts. An additional charitable fund, separate from tax contributions, has also been planned by Geronimo Power to support local initiatives. This approach aims to reinforce the project’s local presence.
A project managed by Burns & McDonnell
Engineering, procurement, and construction at the site are being managed by Burns & McDonnell. The construction phase is expected to sustain up to 200 jobs, engaging regional trades and local subcontractors. Geronimo Power has already secured a power purchase agreement with the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA), ensuring the project’s energy output will be distributed.
A major investment for IMEA
IMEA regards Bee Hollow as its largest investment in solar energy to date. Set to begin operations by the end of 2026, the site is projected to generate enough electricity to cover the annual consumption of 45,600 households.
A project aligned with regional planning
According to data from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bee Hollow could offset 219,100 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, equivalent to removing 51,100 cars from the road for one year. The project fits into a broader strategy to diversify Illinois’s energy supply, combining local economic benefits with long-term planning.
