rPlus Energies has announced the appointment of Jason Espersen as its new General Counsel. Espersen brings extensive experience in both commercial and legal aspects of energy projects and infrastructure transactions across domestic and international markets. His expertise spans utility-scale power plant development, construction, mergers and acquisitions, renewable energy supply chains, tariffs, and trade compliance. Throughout his career, Espersen has held senior legal and commercial roles within various segments of the renewable energy sector.
Most recently, he spent a decade at SunPower Corporation and Maxeon Solar Technologies, the NASDAQ-listed company that spun off from SunPower. He began his legal career in energy law at the Houston-based law firm Vinson & Elkins LLP, where he focused on large-scale energy transactions. Espersen will transition into his new role over the coming months as current General Counsel John Spilman begins a planned move toward retirement. During this period and thereafter, Spilman will serve as General Counsel Emeritus, providing support and continuity during the leadership change.
Jason Espersen, said in a statement, “rPlus Energies’ demonstrated track-record and continued growth in the Intermountain West as well as the company’s transition from developer and construction manager to independent power producer provides an exciting opportunity. I am thrilled to join their team of execution-oriented, community-minded experts.”
Luigi Resta, President and CEO, stated, “I’m pleased to welcome Jason to rPlus Energies. While he has big shoes to fill, Jason’s depth of experience and expertise in utility scale transactions and policy will be a valuable asset as we continue to grow. In addition to his legal expertise, Jason’s commitment to pro bono work supporting underserved communities aligns closely with the values we uphold at the company.”
The announcement comes as rPlus Energies continues to grow following a significant platform investment of up to $460 million from Sandbrook Capital in 2023. The company has since secured over $1 billion in construction debt financing and more than $500 million in tax equity financing for the Green River Energy Center, an 800-megawatt project based in Utah. rPlus Energies currently manages a diverse development portfolio of over 15 gigawatts, which includes more than 1 gigawatt under construction and over 600 megawatts of operating assets.
