Mammoth Solar Wins the 2024 Dual-Use Plan of the Year at the North American Agrivoltaics Awards
24 Julio 2024 - 8:15AM
Mammoth Solar, the Doral Renewables’ 1.3-gigawatt project across
Starke and Pulaski counties in northwest Indiana, was awarded the
Dual Use Plan of the Year award in the first edition of the North
American Agrivoltaics Awards in a ceremony during the Solar Farm
Summit. The project has been recognized for outstanding excellence
in innovation for its dual-use solar development design. This
prestigious recognition highlights the project's groundbreaking
approach to combining large-scale renewable energy generation with
sustainable agricultural practices. Mammoth Solar is set to become
one of the largest solar renewable energy facilities in the United
States. Mammoth Solar is supported by significant investments in
science, agronomy, and local farming communities.
"The recognition of the Mammoth Solar Project as
a leader in dual-use solar development is a testament to our
commitment to innovation and sustainability," said Ed Baptista,
Doral Renewables Director of Development and Agrivoltaics. "By
integrating renewable energy generation with agricultural
practices, we are not only providing clean energy but also
promoting heritage farming practices."
The Mammoth Solar Project is garnering community
support by reviving traditional farming practices. With the
integration of 1,500 sheep, Kune Kune pigs, dozens of alpacas,
donkeys, and other animals, the project is managing vegetation in
an environmentally friendly manner, while allowing local farmers to
continue their farming operations, maximizing land use and
generating additional revenue streams. Crops such as corn, hay,
melons, blueberries, and honey are currently in various stages of
implementation or research. Additionally, the project has tied some
of its power purchase agreements to pollinator habitat commitments
within and around the solar field, promoting biodiversity and
sustainable farming.
“We were honored to celebrate some of the
ambitious projects and incredible professionals leading the charge
to implement best agrivoltaics practices,” said Dan French,
Executive Producer of the Solar Farm Summit and Emcee of the North
American Agrivoltaics Awards. "We received many thousands of votes
and were very heartened to see so many folks supporting these
next-generation solar farms, such as the Mammoth Solar Project,
which are redefining what’s possible when pairing solar power and
various agricultural practices in the field.
Pictured: Ed Baptista and Michelle Frees of
Doral Renewables accept the award from Dan French, the Summit's
Executive Producer
Upon completion, the Mammoth Solar Project will
generate 1.3 gigawatts (GW) of power, providing clean energy to
approximately 250,000 homes. The project is divided into three
phases: Mammoth North, set to begin operations in the upcoming
months, and Mammoth South and Mammoth Central, which have both
begun early construction work and will be fully mobilized later
this year. Upon completion, it will become one of the largest solar
projects in the U.S. while acting as an agrivoltaics proving
ground. Mammoth North hosted a commercial operations ceremony on
July 9, 2024, attended by key Indiana and Industry officials,
stakeholders, farmers, and local leaders. As a result, Gov. Holcomb
signed an official proclamation declaring July 9 to be Agrivoltaics
Day in the State of Indiana, which First Lady Janet Holcomb
presented during the ceremony.
The North American Agrivoltaics Awards ceremony
was held during the second annual Solar Farm Summit in Chicago, the
country’s largest agrivoltaics conference, bringing together
hundreds of solar developers, manufacturers, designers,
policymakers, and farmers to network, brainstorm, and share the
best practices for agricultural operations and the rapidly
expanding solar industry. The awards ceremony was co-hosted by the
National Renewable Energy Lab, the America Solar Grazing
Association, and the American Farmland Trust.
About Doral Renewables:
Doral Renewables is a Philadelphia-based
renewable energy developer, owner, and operator of renewable energy
assets, operating all over the United States. It has a solar and
storage development portfolio of over 13 GW, including 1.3 GW under
construction, and is operating in 20 states and across 10
electricity markets. Doral Renewables has over $2.5 billion in
long-term wholesale power purchase agreements with U.S. customers.
The company has a global management and leadership that includes
the Doral Group (TASE: DORL), an international leader in renewable
energy and agrivoltaics research, development and implementation,
Migdal Group (TASE: MGDL), Israel’s top insurance and pension fund
manager, Clean Air Generation, with further financial backing from
Apollo Global Management (NYSE: APO), one of the US’ leading asset
management firms
What is AgrivoltaicsAgrivoltaics pairs solar
with agriculture, creating energy and providing space for crops,
grazing, and native habitats under and between panels.
Pictured: Livestock grazing at the Mammoth Solar Site
Media Contacts:
Ran Rabi
ranrabi@doral-llc.com
312-420-1044
Garret Inman
ginman@ls2group.com
712-304-1336