Eastover Solar launching Richland County solar project

May 22, 2019

This is an exciting opportunity to expand the supply of renewable energy in the local area. Thank you Eastover Solar for selecting Richland County as your next destination for installation, and congratulations to our friends and partners in the County who worked to bring this project to life.

About Central South Carolina Alliance

The Central SC Alliance (CSCA) is a full-service professional economic development organization, founded in 1994 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, public/private partnership, engaged in the recruitment of capital investment and jobs to the Central Region of South Carolina. Since inception, CSCA and its partners and allies, have attracted $14 billion in capital investment and over 71,000 new jobs to the Central Region of South Carolina.

CSCA represents the City of Columbia and the eight counties: Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland. To learn more about the Central SC Alliance please visit our website at www.centralsc.org and be sure to follow us on Twitter @Central_SC and like us on Facebook.


S.C. Department of Commerce News Release:

For Immediate Release

May 22, 2019

Eastover Solar launching Richland County solar project

Utility-scale solar developer investing $80 million in 73-megawatt solar farm

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Eastover Solar, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Community Energy, an experienced utility-scale solar project developer, today announced plans to construct a new solar farm in Richland County. The company is investing $80 million in the project.

Designed to generate the equivalent electricity required to power approximately 18,000 homes, this new 73-megawatt solar project will be located on a 740-acre site outside of Eastover, S.C. Expected to be complete by the first quarter of 2021, this solar farm will sell the electricity it produces to Dominion Energy.

QUOTES

“Community Energy is proud to play a leading role in bringing economic solar power to South Carolina's energy mix. Our Eastover Solar project represents the ideal combination of the latest solar technology, an optimum project site, and key support from Richland County and the State of South Carolina. This project proves that innovative and collaborative solar development can lead to low-cost renewable energy with broad economic benefits.” -CEO of Community Energy Brent Alderfer

“South Carolina's renewable energy industry is thriving, and today's announcement by Eastover Solar is just the latest example of that. This investment proves that our state is an ideal business destination for companies of all types, and by working together to maintain our pro-business environment, we can ensure a future of prosperity in all corners of our state.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“South Carolina is playing an important role in the alternative energy renaissance, as new, state-of-the-art solar projects continue to come online. This $80 million investment by Eastover Solar is proof that our economic development efforts are paying off, and we are excited to welcome this innovative company to Team South Carolina.” -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“We are delighted that Community Energy selected Richland County for this endeavor. This investment will deliver reliable, renewable energy, which will benefit our community and the entire state.” - Richland County Council Chairman Paul Livingston

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • Eastover Solar is launching Richland County solar project.
  • $80 million investment.
  • Eastover Solar is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Community Energy, an experienced utility-scale solar project developer.
  • Expected to be complete by the first quarter of 2021 and will be located on a 740-acre site outside of Eastover, S.C.
  • This 73-megawatt project will generate the equivalent electricity required to power approximately 18,000 homes.

About S.C. Department of Commerce

As South Carolina's leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State ranked No. 1 in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign investment on a per capita basis in 2018—extending its streak of top three finishes since 2011. Additionally, in five of seven years, the state has won the Gold Shovel Award from Area Development magazine; and, in 2017, the state was recognized as Business Facilities' State of the Year. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Alex Clark, CMP

Director of Marketing & Communications

South Carolina Department of Commerce

(803) 737-1998
aclark@sccommerce.com

www.SCcommerce.com

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