HURLOCK, MD – [October 17, 2024] – Invenergy, the leading privately held developer, owner, and operator of sustainable energy solutions, announced commercial operations at the Richfield Solar Energy Center, a 50-megawatt (MW) utility-scale solar energy facility in Dorchester County, Maryland. Richfield Solar marks another milestone in Maryland’s pursuit of 50% renewable energy by 2030, reinforcing the state’s leadership in the national transition to clean energy.
The clean energy generated from Richfield Solar will be purchased by Verizon through a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA). Invenergy, along with Verizon and M&T Bank, the project finance partner, celebrated commercial operations at Richfield Solar during a ribbon cutting ceremony.
“Maryland is committed to reaching critical clean energy goals and our success will only be possible with the support of communities like those in Dorchester County,” said Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. “Richfield Solar is the blueprint for how new clean energy solutions can be built to deliver significant economic benefits to local municipalities and contribute to the sustainability objectives of our larger business community.”
“As Maryland accelerates its clean energy transition, projects like Richfield Solar are critical to meeting the state’s ambitious goals while also fostering sustainable economic prosperity in local communities,” said Michael Kaplan, Senior Vice President of Development at Invenergy. “We are proud to celebrate this achievement driving Maryland’s clean energy efforts with project landowners, and our partners at Verizon and M&T Bank.”
“This partnership is a powerful example of how technology and clean energy can work together to drive sustainability and deliver tangible benefits to local communities,” said James Gowen, Senior Vice President, Global Sourcing and Supply Chain and Chief Sustainability Officer, for Verizon. “Verizon is proud to partner with Invenergy on this significant milestone in our journey toward a greener, more sustainable future for all.”
“M&T Bank is thrilled to strengthen our commitment through this strategic partnership with Invenergy, which not only champions a sustainable future but also creates new opportunities for economic development and job creation," stated Eric Heintz, M&T Bank’s Managing Director of Renewable Energy Finance. "Embracing these innovations allows us to foster a resilient and sustainable Maryland, ensuring progress today does not compromise the well-being of future generations."
The Richfield Solar facility complements Invenergy’s Todd Solar Energy Center also located in Hurlock, which has been operational since 2021, generating 20 MW of clean energy. Todd Solar has consistently delivered clean energy to thousands of Maryland homes, setting the stage for further sustainable development in the region.
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About Invenergy
Invenergy is accelerating cleaner, more reliable, affordable energy. Invenergy and its affiliated companies develop, build, own, and operate large-scale renewable and other clean energy generation, transmission and storage facilities in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Headquartered in Chicago, Invenergy has regional development offices in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Spain, Japan, Poland, and Scotland.
Invenergy and its affiliated companies have successfully developed more than 32,000 megawatts of projects that are in operation, construction or contracted, including wind, solar, transmission infrastructure and natural gas power generation and advanced energy storage projects.