Vistra connects solar projects in Illinois
Author: PPD Team Date: December 30, 2024
Vistra has connected two new utility-scale solar projects in Illinois to the grid as part of efforts to amend the retirement schedule for its 1,185 MW Baldwin Power Plant.
Originally set to retire in 2025, the plant will now operate until 2027, complying with federal Environmental Protection Agency retirement and pond closure requirements.
The Baldwin site recently saw the addition of a 68 MW utility-scale solar facility and a 2 MW/8 MWh energy storage system, which began operations in December 2024.
The solar facility is expected to generate 140,000 MWh of zero-carbon electricity annually over 20 years. The project involved a $135 million investment, with over 200,000 solar panels installed across 420 acres.
Vistra is an integrated retail electricity and power generation company, operating a diverse fleet including natural gas, nuclear, coal, solar, and battery energy storage facilities, serving communities across the US.