en.Wedoany.com Reported - rPlus Energies has officially commissioned the 125 MWac Pleasant Valley Solar 2 project in Idaho and commenced construction on the 400 MWac Blacks Creek Energy Center. These two projects represent over $750 million in capital investment, bringing rPlus Energies' total solar and energy storage assets in operation, under construction, or contracted in Idaho to over 1 GW.
Idaho's solar industry is expanding. According to data from the Solar Energy Industries Association, the state has achieved 1,301 MWdc of installed solar capacity, ranking 34th nationally, with total investments exceeding $2 billion. Approximately 9% of electricity comes from solar, and an additional 2,740 MW of solar capacity is expected to be added over the next five years, ranking Idaho 29th in growth prospects.
These two projects will supply power to Idaho Power under long-term agreements. Lisa Grow, President and CEO of Idaho Power, stated that as Idaho's energy demand grows, a balanced mix of energy resources is needed, and this capacity will help meet regional needs.
Idaho Power is driving resource expansion to enhance grid reliability. The company has set a short-term goal of commissioning a 300 MW energy storage project by the end of 2026, with a long-term plan to achieve 1,685 MW of storage by 2040. Idaho currently has 1,721 MWh of installed energy storage capacity, ranking 9th nationally.
rPlus's projects are expected to generate significant local economic benefits, partly from Idaho's 3.5% solar tax on gross solar revenue. These developments will create hundreds of construction jobs and generate long-term tax revenue for state and local entities. As part of the Pleasant Valley Solar 2 workforce pipeline program, project partners provided $375,000 in scholarships for students at Boise State University and the College of Western Idaho.
Luigi Resta, President and CEO of rPlus Energies, stated that these two projects are critical to supporting Idaho's continued economic growth. The company, backed by institutional investors Sandbrook Capital and Gardner Group, focuses on utility-scale solar, wind, battery storage, and pumped storage hydropower assets across the United States.
