Arevon's $500 Million Kelso Solar Project Advances Construction in Missouri

Arevon Energy, Inc., a leading American energy developer, owner, and operator, hosted a construction groundbreaking event for its 430 megawatt (MWdc) Kelso 1 & 2 Solar Projects in Scott County, Missouri. Arevon will own and operate the project on a long-term basis, with the first phase anticipated to achieve commercial operations by the end of 2025 and the second phase estimated to start operations in the first quarter of 2026.

Left to right -  Chris Matthews, Vice President of Development, Arevon; Dr. Bradley Kolwyck, Scott County R-IV School District Superintendent ; Marcie Lawson, President and CEO, Sikeston Regional Chamber and Economic Development Corporation; Kevin Smith, CEO, Arevon; Michelle Fayette, Executive Director, Kenny Rogers Children's Center; Mayor Jim Simmons, City of Benton, Missouri 

Kelso Solar is Arevon's first utility-scale renewable energy project in Missouri. The development and construction of the more than $500 million project have resulted in a significant increase in economic activity in Scott County and the surrounding areas. During peak construction, Kelso Solar will employ more than 450 personnel, primarily sourced from local labor to build the project. Both phases are being constructed by Primoris Services Corporation's Renewable Energy business, a leading provider of engineering, procurement, and construction services to the power generation industry. Local establishments such as restaurants, hotels, and shops have positively benefitted from the construction activities in the area. Throughout its multidecade operations, Kelso Solar is estimated to disburse more than $34 million to local governments, supporting schools, infrastructure, and first responders.

The groundbreaking was held at the project site and brought together state officials, Scott County leaders, local landowners, project partners, and the Arevon team to celebrate the construction progression and advancement of domestic energy in Missouri. Spokespersons at the event included Mayor Jim Simmons, City of Benton, Missouri; Marcie Lawson, President and CEO at Sikeston Regional Chamber and Economic Development Corporation; Dr. Bradley Kolwyck, Scott County R-IV School District Superintendent; Michelle Fayette, Executive Director at Kenny Rogers Children's Center; and Kevin Smith, Chief Executive Officer at Arevon. Chris Matthews, Vice President of Development at Arevon, served as the event's Master of Ceremonies.

"Kelso Solar marks Arevon's entrance into Missouri and when operational, will boost the state's installed solar capacity by almost 50 percent. This major project furthers Arevon's growing presence in the Midwest region of the United States, which is a priority market for our company's development activities," said Smith. "Celebrating the project's construction alongside our partners and stakeholders also gives us the opportunity to recognize the immense economic benefits the project provides. I am grateful to Scott County for its partnership as well as its leadership in expanding homegrown and cost-effective energy in the state."

"Arevon has been very generous to Benton's local businesses and our surrounding area," said Mayor Simmons. "I am excited to see the positive impact Kelso Solar will have on our community."

"Arevon's Kelso Solar has already provided substantial economic benefits to our community," said Lawson. "Projects like these not only ensure affordable, reliable energy, but also create jobs and boost revenue streams. We appreciate the partnership with Arevon and look forward to Kelso Solar advancing toward operations."

Arevon has been actively engaged with the Scott County community throughout Kelso Solar's development and is contributing to a number of charitable initiatives, including the following:

• Funding of a side-by-side vehicle to the Scott County Rural Fire Protection District, to assist fire-fighting efforts in challenging locations.
• Donations to the Scott County R-IV School District for safety enhancements, construction equipment for the high school's Future Farmers of America chapter, and other support geared toward educational advancements.
• Participation in Mobile Food Distribution events for the Southeast Missouri Food Bank, which provides resources to hundreds of families facing food insecurity in the Blodgett area.
• Donations of new soft play equipment and physical therapy mats as well as support to equip the Activities of Daily Living room for the Kenny Rogers Children's Center, a pediatric out-patient therapy facility serving children with special needs.
• Commitments to the City of Blodgett with the funds required to complete the construction of a secondary water well, an essential investment in public health and long-term infrastructure resilience.

As announced in March 2024, Arevon and Meta signed two long-term Environmental Attributes Purchase Agreements for the Kelso Solar Project which will help support Meta's operations in the region.

Arevon is expanding its presence in the Midwest region of the United States. In addition to the Kelso 1 & 2 Solar Projects, Arevon is currently constructing four solar projects totaling 744 megawatts in Indiana with capital costs of more than $1.1 billion and has a robust development portfolio of assets in the Midwest, a key market for the company.

Arevon | arevonenergy.com