Avangrid, Inc., a leading energy company and part of the Iberdrola Group, has announced that its Powell Creek solar project in Putnam County, Ohio, has begun supplying electricity to the local power grid. This milestone marks a significant step in supporting Ohio’s increasing energy demands while contributing to the region’s renewable energy growth. The project is still undergoing final commissioning activities, with full commercial operations expected to begin later this year.
Powell Creek has a generation capacity of 150 megawatts of alternating current (MWac) or 202 megawatts of direct current (MWdc). It is equipped with 300,000 solar panels, which will produce enough electricity to power approximately 30,000 homes each year. The construction phase created about 500 jobs, with most positions filled by local union workers, helping to boost regional employment. The project is situated on land directly leased from local landowners.
In addition to clean energy generation, Powell Creek will provide long-term economic benefits to the local community. Over its lifetime, the project is expected to contribute more than $31 million in tax revenue to local jurisdictions, funding essential public services such as education and infrastructure. Landowners involved in the project will also receive direct financial benefits.
Pedro Azagra, Avangrid CEO, stated, “Powell Creek is an important, utility-scale solar project that will contribute to Northwest Ohio’s economy and energy independence. This project is coming online as energy demand continues to rise across the country, partly due to the growth of manufacturing, electrification, and data centers. When we add new sources of energy onto the grid, like Powell Creek, we’re creating a more robust and reliable electricity infrastructure to benefit the local community, region, and state.”
This marks Avangrid’s second major renewable energy project in Ohio. The company previously developed the Blue Creek wind farm in 2012, which has a capacity of 304 MW and generates enough electricity to supply about 76,000 homes annually. Through projects like Powell Creek and Blue Creek, Avangrid continues to expand its commitment to clean energy and regional economic growth.
