en.Wedoany.com Reported - U.S. energy platform Heelstone Renewable Energy has commenced construction on three solar projects in Illinois, with a total installed capacity of 86 megawatts (MW), targeting commercial operation by the end of 2026.

The solar project portfolio includes the 40 MW Two Blues project in Perry County, the 28 MW Snapdragon project, and the 18 MW Pike project in Fayette County. Construction commenced following a final investment decision and the signing of an EPC agreement with Knobelsdorff Energy. Heelstone recently achieved financial close through non-recourse project financing, with Stonehenge Capital providing tax equity investment and ING Capital LLC arranging tax equity bridge and construction-to-term loan facilities.

Meta has contracted all environmental attributes output through a long-term corporate power purchase agreement. Alejandro Ciruelos, Partner at Qualitas Energy USA, stated that these final investment decisions "demonstrate the strength and quality of Heelstone's development pipeline in core U.S. markets" and represent a significant step in the company's transition to an integrated independent power producer.

The solar project financial close was completed on July 20, 2026, following Heelstone's successful financing of two solar projects totaling 206 MW in December 2025 and March 2026, further advancing the company's strategic growth targets.