Spark Alerts: May 9, 2025

Note: This is a proof of concept for Spark Alerts, focusing on utility-scale solar news and policy updates in Illinois and Texas. Please help us improve by sharing your feedback with us!

📰 Market & Development News

Illinois

• 5/8- Donato Solar proposed amendments to Champaign County to ease financial requirements for solar farms in a committee meeting about their 135-MW Little Prairie Solar project.

• 5/8- The Ottawa City Council temporarily tabled a decision on a proposed solar farm by SunVest Solar, citing environmental and safety concerns.

• 5/8- Nexamp partnered with restaurant chain Chipotle to build 15 community solar farms totaling 75 MW across Illinois, New York, Maryland and Maine.

Texas

• 5/7- Pine Gate Renewables’ 250-MW Grapefruit Solar project is expected to begin construction in Hidalgo County by 2026.

• 5/7- RWE announced the completion of six solar projects across the US, including three projects across Texas.

• 5/6- A report found that proposed restrictions on renewables in Texas could increase power prices by up to 14% and decrease grid reliability.

• 5/6- Shell subsidiary Sonnen launched a 60MWh virtual power plant in Texas.

📢 Policy & Programs

Texas

• SB715

  • Would require solar and wind farms to back up their electricity output with natural gas power plants or a fleet of batteries.

  • Introduced in Senate 2/7.

  • UPDATE- Passed Senate 5/8, will move to House.

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