12/04/2026-Solar Energy Investment News & People Move
- Viridian Energy
- Apr 11
- 6 min read
USA News Construction begins on 102-MW Murch Solar project in Michigan
Construction has begun on the 102-MW Murch Solar project in Van Buren County, Michigan, led by Greensol, the U.S. EPC arm of Greening. The project is being developed for Heelstone Renewable Energy and represents a key step in expanding utility-scale solar capacity in the region.
It highlights Greening’s growing footprint in the U.S. EPC market and its ability to deliver large-scale renewable infrastructure. The project is part of a broader pipeline supporting corporate clean energy demand and is expected to contribute significantly to Michigan’s renewable energy targets once operational.
Solar EPC Mortenson acquires Nor-Cal Controls
Mortenson has acquired Nor-Cal Controls, a specialist in energy management and control systems for solar, storage, and microgrid projects. The acquisition strengthens Mortenson’s EPC capabilities by integrating advanced control system expertise, which is critical for optimizing performance and grid interaction of renewable assets.
Nor-Cal’s open-architecture systems enhance operational efficiency and reliability, enabling more sophisticated energy project delivery. This move reflects the increasing complexity of renewable infrastructure and Mortenson’s strategy to offer fully integrated, high-performance energy solutions across solar and storage markets.
Two Savion solar projects completed in the Midwest
Savion has completed two utility-scale solar projects in the U.S. Midwest, marking another milestone in its growing renewable portfolio. These projects contribute to regional clean energy supply and support decarbonization efforts across key states. Their completion demonstrates Savion’s execution capabilities in delivering large-scale solar developments from construction to operation.
The projects are expected to provide reliable, low-cost renewable electricity while supporting local economies through job creation and infrastructure investment. This achievement reinforces Savion’s position as a major player in the U.S. solar development and deployment landscape.
Heelstone starts U.S. solar projects after financing
Heelstone Renewable Energy has achieved financial close and commenced construction on two U.S. solar projects totaling 206 MW: the 104-MW Alligator Creek project in Georgia and the 102-MW Murch project in Michigan. Backed by long-term corporate PPAs with a hyperscale data center developer, the projects secured debt and tax equity financing.
EPC contracts have been awarded to Pure Power Contractors and Greensol. Expected to be operational by the end of 2026, the projects mark a key step in Heelstone’s transition to a fully integrated independent power producer and expansion of its U.S. renewable portfolio.
Illinois county courthouse cuts ribbon on 1.3-MW solar project
An Illinois county courthouse has inaugurated a 1.3-MW solar installation, showcasing the growing adoption of on-site renewable energy by public institutions. The project is designed to significantly reduce electricity costs and carbon emissions while enhancing energy independence.
It demonstrates how local governments are leveraging solar to meet sustainability goals and manage long-term operational expenses. The installation also reflects broader trends in distributed generation and public-sector decarbonization, serving as a model for similar municipal projects across the U.S. seeking cost savings and environmental benefits.
ABB manufacturing facility in South Carolina to meet 80% electricity needs with solar
ABB’s manufacturing facility in South Carolina will meet approximately 80% of its electricity demand through an on-site solar installation. The project highlights ABB’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint while improving energy cost efficiency.
By integrating solar into its operations, ABB is advancing industrial decarbonization and energy resilience. The initiative reflects a broader trend of corporations investing in behind-the-meter renewable energy to stabilize energy costs and meet ESG targets, reinforcing solar’s role in powering industrial facilities in the U.S.
Germany News
Blackstone invests €250 million in Sunotec
Blackstone has agreed to invest €250 million in Sunotec through a structured equity deal to accelerate renewable infrastructure expansion across Europe. The partnership will support Sunotec’s growth in key markets such as Germany, the UK, and Scandinavia, while also enabling expansion into grid infrastructure and hybrid energy systems.
Sunotec will retain majority ownership and operational control. The investment reflects increasing demand for integrated platforms combining solar, storage, and grid capabilities, addressing bottlenecks in grid connection and scaling large, complex renewable projects.
Ingka Group expands solar investments in Germany
Ingka Group is accelerating Germany’s energy transition through new solar investments led by its investment arm, Ingka Investments. The company is developing two solar parks totaling 110 MW, expected to power around 26,000 households once operational.
These projects are part of a broader €7.5 billion commitment to renewable energy by 2030. Alongside utility-scale generation, Ingka is also expanding customer-focused solutions such as home solar kits and dynamic tariffs, reflecting a dual strategy of grid-scale investment and distributed energy adoption to support decarbonization.
Harmony Energy secures German BESS financing
Harmony Energy has secured a development financing facility to support a 3 GW pipeline of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Germany. The funding will enable late-stage project development across both transmission and distribution networks, helping address grid flexibility challenges in one of Europe’s key renewable markets.
The three-year facility marks a significant step in scaling Harmony’s presence in Germany and reflects growing investor focus on storage as a critical enabler of renewable integration. The company continues to expand its European footprint with a strong pipeline of solar and storage assets.
Novar acquires 100 MW solar project in Germany
Novar has acquired a 100 MW solar PV project in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, strengthening its position in the European renewable market. The project, acquired from Stromernte, offers potential for co-locating a 160 MWh battery energy storage system, highlighting the growing trend of hybrid solar-plus-storage developments.
This acquisition supports Novar’s strategy to expand its operational portfolio while enhancing grid stability and energy flexibility. The deal reflects increasing integration of storage with solar assets to optimize performance and support Germany’s evolving energy transition goals.
Peoples Move
lueWave appoints Becky Limmer as General Counsel
BlueWave has appointed Becky Limmer as General Counsel, strengthening its leadership as it expands solar and energy storage operations across the Northeast U.S. Limmer brings nearly two decades of experience spanning federal leadership and private-sector clean energy financing, positioning her to guide complex legal and regulatory frameworks. In her role, she will oversee all legal affairs, including project development, asset ownership, and compliance. Her appointment supports BlueWave’s growth strategy and reinforces its ability to navigate evolving policy landscapes while scaling its renewable energy portfolio efficiently.
BridgePeak Energy Capital promotes Mac Cooney to Partner
BridgePeak Energy Capital has promoted Mac Cooney to Partner, recognizing his contributions to the firm’s growth and investment strategy. Previously serving as Principal, Cooney played a key role in executing investments and managing assets across the energy transition sector.
In his new position, he will continue leading capital deployment and driving strategic initiatives aimed at expanding the firm’s portfolio. The promotion highlights BridgePeak’s focus on strengthening internal leadership to support long-term growth and capitalize on increasing opportunities in renewable energy and infrastructure markets.
Ameresco appoints co-presidents and COO
Ameresco has restructured its leadership team by appointing Nicole Bulgarino and Lou Maltezos as Co-Presidents alongside CEO George Sakellaris. Bulgarino will lead initiatives in data centers and large-scale energy infrastructure, while Maltezos will oversee broader operational functions.
Additionally, Peter Christakis has been named Chief Operating Officer, continuing his oversight of U.S. solar and battery operations. This leadership expansion reflects Ameresco’s focus on scaling operations, enhancing execution capabilities, and addressing growing demand across diversified energy solutions markets.
CAMS names Julian Kaufmann as Chief Commercial Officer
Consolidated Asset Management Services has appointed Julian Kaufmann as Chief Commercial Officer to strengthen its commercial strategy. Kaufmann brings extensive experience in energy infrastructure, asset optimization, and market expansion.
In his new role, he will lead efforts to grow CAMS’ service offerings and deepen its presence across energy and industrial sectors. His appointment aligns with the company’s strategy to enhance value creation for clients through optimized asset performance and expanded capabilities in managing complex energy portfolios in a rapidly evolving market.
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