Clēnera, an Enlight company, announced today that the Apex Solar project located in Beaverhead County, Montana, began commercial operations on August 4, 2023.
Apex Solar: A Major Contribution to Montana’s Renewable Energy Landscape
The start of commercial operations is an important milestone for the Group. For this is Clēnera’s first joint project since Enlight acquired the company in August 2021. What’s more, the project was completed on schedule, testifying to the Group’s sustained attention to execution. Apex Solar, which is equivalent in size to Montana’s largest solar project. It should make a significant contribution to the state’s renewable energy mix.
The project is entrusted to NorthWestern Energy under a 20-year power purchase agreement, and is expected to generate carbon-free energy equivalent to the annual consumption of 13,500 households.
“Apex Solar is now part of the diversified portfolio of generation resources serving our Montana customers,” said John Hines, NorthWestern Energy’s Vice President, Montana Supply and Government Affairs.
“While our 24/7 on-demand generation resources, such as the Yellowstone County Generating Station and Colstrip Generating Station, are absolutely necessary for NorthWestern Energy to meet our customers’ needs during challenging times, they are also necessary to balance the variable output of solar and wind resources. We remain focused on delivering reliable, sustainable energy services to our Montana customers with a variety of generation resources as we responsibly transition to an even cleaner energy future.”
Enlight: A Global Player in Renewable Energies
In addition to Apex Solar, Clēnera is developing other projects in Montana. This includes an advanced development project immediately adjacent to Apex. Which takes advantage of the same interconnection point as Apex, as part of the Company’s “field and expansion” interconnection strategy.
“We are pleased to reach this important milestone, in line with our previously announced timeline, and are excited to provide increased access to clean, affordable renewable energy in Montana,” said Jason Ellsworth, CEO of Clēnera.
“We look forward to building a successful long-term relationship with community stakeholders, including Beaverhead County, the City of Dillon and NorthWestern Energy, as we continue to develop additional renewable energy projects in the state.” Gilad Yavetz, CEO of Enlight, added: “Since acquiring Clenera, we have been delighted to see the seamless integration and collaboration between our businesses. The results have exceeded all expectations and reinforce our belief in the power of this strategic partnership. Apex Solar, our first commercial project in the United States, is a testament to this partnership.”
The project is expected to add $25 million in tax revenue for Beaverhead County and more than $5 million for the state. Bank of America and NORD/LB provided construction financing for the project. And Huntington National Bank is providing long-term financing for the project. Founded in 2008, Enlight develops, finances, builds, owns and operates large-scale renewable energy projects. Today, Enlight operates in the three main renewable energy segments: solar, wind and energy storage.
A global platform, Enlight operates in the United States, Israel and 9 European countries. Enlight has been listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange since 2010. And completed its initial public offering in the United States in 2023.
