CleanCapital Divests 120 MW Solar Project to Energix Renewables
CleanCapital, an established independent power producer with a strong focus on distributed renewable energy solutions, has announced the successful sale of a 120-megawatt (MW) brownfield solar development project in Harrison County, Ohio, to Energix Renewables. The transaction marks a significant milestone for both companies, aligning with their respective strategic priorities and reinforcing their commitments to expanding clean energy infrastructure across the United States.
The project, known as “Nottingham,” represents a compelling example of how legacy industrial land can be transformed into productive, sustainable energy assets. Originally developed by BQ Energy—an experienced developer specializing in repurposing environmentally challenged sites—the project became part of CleanCapital’s portfolio following its acquisition of BQ Energy in 2022. Located on a reclaimed coal strip mine, Nottingham highlights the growing trend of converting previously degraded land into renewable energy hubs, reducing environmental impact while contributing to regional economic development.
By divesting the Nottingham project, CleanCapital is sharpening its focus on distributed generation (DG) solar and energy storage, sectors that are experiencing rapid growth due to increasing demand for localized, resilient energy systems. Distributed generation projects typically operate at a smaller scale than utility-scale developments and are often located closer to where electricity is consumed, helping to improve grid efficiency and reliability. CleanCapital has identified this segment as a core area for expansion and intends to allocate more of its internal resources toward accelerating the development and deployment of DG assets nationwide.
Thomas Byrne, Chief Executive Officer of CleanCapital, emphasized the strategic importance of the transaction. He noted that the sale enables the company to streamline its development pipeline and concentrate on scaling its distributed solar and storage portfolio. Byrne also highlighted the value of partnering with Energix Renewables, citing the company’s expertise in executing large-scale solar projects and its ability to generate long-term benefits for local communities, landowners, and other stakeholders.
Energix Renewables, a company known for its robust utility-scale renewable energy platform, views the acquisition as a natural extension of its growth strategy in the United States. By adding the Nottingham project to its portfolio, Energix continues to strengthen its presence in the utility-scale solar sector, which plays a crucial role in meeting the country’s rising energy demands while reducing carbon emissions. The company has consistently emphasized the importance of using domestically manufactured equipment and adhering to high standards of environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Oren Hazan, Chief Business Development Officer at Energix Renewables, underscored the alignment between the acquisition and the company’s broader objectives. He described the Nottingham project as a reflection of Energix’s commitment to responsible development practices, strong environmental performance, and meaningful community impact. Hazan also pointed out that projects like Nottingham demonstrate how renewable energy development can coexist with land restoration efforts, turning previously underutilized or degraded sites into valuable economic and environmental assets.
The significance of the Nottingham project extends beyond its generation capacity. Its location on a reclaimed coal mine underscores a broader shift in the energy sector, where former fossil fuel sites are increasingly being repurposed for renewable energy production. This approach not only minimizes the need for new land development but also provides an opportunity to revitalize communities that were historically dependent on coal and other extractive industries. By bringing new investment, job opportunities, and tax revenue to these areas, projects like Nottingham contribute to a more equitable and sustainable energy transition.
The transaction also comes on the heels of several major financial and strategic initiatives undertaken by CleanCapital. Recently, the company acquired a 7.7 MW energy storage joint venture, further expanding its capabilities in battery storage—a critical component of modern energy systems that enables better integration of intermittent renewable resources like solar and wind. In addition, CleanCapital successfully closed a $300 million HoldCo facility along with a $185 million debt private placement. These financial moves provide the company with increased flexibility and capital to pursue its growth objectives in distributed generation and energy storage.
Together, these developments illustrate CleanCapital’s evolving business model and its commitment to adapting to the changing dynamics of the energy market. As demand for clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy continues to rise, the company is positioning itself to play a leading role in delivering distributed solutions that meet the needs of both consumers and businesses. By focusing on high-performing DG projects, CleanCapital aims to contribute to a more decentralized and resilient energy grid.
For Energix Renewables, the acquisition of the Nottingham project reinforces its reputation as a key player in the utility-scale renewable energy sector. The company’s continued investment in large-scale solar projects reflects its confidence in the long-term growth of the U.S. renewable energy market. With supportive policy frameworks, declining technology costs, and increasing corporate demand for clean energy, the outlook for utility-scale solar remains strong.
The collaboration between CleanCapital and Energix also highlights the importance of partnerships in advancing the clean energy transition. By leveraging their respective strengths—CleanCapital’s expertise in distributed generation and Energix’s capabilities in utility-scale development—the two companies are able to optimize the value of their assets while contributing to broader sustainability goals.
Looking ahead, both companies are expected to continue pursuing opportunities that align with their strategic priorities. CleanCapital will likely focus on expanding its distributed solar and storage footprint, targeting markets with favorable regulatory environments and strong demand for localized energy solutions. Energix, meanwhile, is poised to further scale its utility-scale operations, building on its track record of delivering high-quality renewable energy projects.
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