July 13, 2026
This week on Projects Weekly, Oakland, California-based Adapture Renewables has energized the Cherry Valley Solar Project in Arkansas. In Texas, SMT Energy and Swiss company Axpo have partnered for a seven-year BESS swap for the ERCOT grid, and Leeward Renewable Energy is helping Google’s data center efforts in Oklahoma. In the M&A world, Argo Infrastructure Partners is acquiring a solar portfolio from NuGen Capital Management and Nexamp has secured a financing facility for its community solar portfolio. Finally, north of the border in Canada, Peak Power has brought a battery project online for Vuteq Canada’s Ontario manufacturing facility. Keep reading for all the details!
Peak Power brings 3.6 MW BESS project online for Vuteq Canada
Battery developer and software firm Peak Power has announced the operation of a 3.6 MW battery storage facility for automotive supplier Vuteq Canada.
The new system will enable Vuteq to not only reduce peak electricity rates, but support grid strength and participate in energy demand response programs like commercial-scale VPPs. Peak Power will retain operation rights for the project, the developer says.
“As industrial facilities electrify, automate, and scale, energy flexibility is becoming a competitive advantage for large industrial operators,” says Derek Lim Soo, CEO, Peak Power. “This project shows how large manufacturers can reduce exposure to peak-driven electricity costs while contributing to a more reliable and resilient grid.”
Bright spot: Alongside the battery capabilities, the Woodstock, Ontario-based project includes the installation of six EV chargers at Vuteq’s facility. Part of Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program, the electrical ports aim to expand access to workplace charging and support broader transport electrification across the Great White North.
The battery system will help to offset grid demand during peak hours in southern Ontario, officials say. The project “reflects a broader shift in the electricity sector,” with large corporate entities redesigning their energy efforts to become active participants in the electrical market, aiming to take advantage of AI and electrification increase electrical demand.
“We’re committed to serving as (Vuteq and Peak’s) long-term partner to unlock new value,” says Cameron Bard, chief revenue officer of project financing company Madison Energy Infrastructure, “helping them manage costs, strengthen the grid, and modernize the way they use energy.”
SMT Energy, Axpo partner on seven-year BESS swap agreement
Battery storage developer SMT Energy and Swiss electrical utility Axpo have partnered for a seven-year battery storage swap agreement in the Texas-based ERCOT market.
Tied to SMT Energy’s 160 MW / 320 MWh Houston IV BESS project, the agreement “supports long-term revenue visibility” and highlights SMT’s ability to develop battery assets in the Lone Star State. The companies say the bespoke agreement has long-term value for the international company as it continues to focus on energy supply risk management in the U.S.
Bright spot: The partnership agreement may lead companies to further collaboration with Axpo in the future, representatives say. As the firms aim to develop further utility-scale batteries in Texas and the U.S. at large, this project could reinforce Axpo’s wider spot in the American market.
“Houston IV represents the type of large-scale, grid-critical battery storage asset SMT Energy was built to deliver,” says Miguel Garcia, head of commercial strategy at SMT Energy. “Pairing a 160 MW operating BESS with a seven-year structured swap agreement is an important commercial milestone for SMT Energy and provides durable revenue visibility for the project.”
Adapture Renewables energizes Cherry Valley Solar Energy Project in Arkansas
Utility-scale solar developer Adapture Renewables Inc. has announced that its 185 MW Cherry Valley Solar Energy Project has reached “substantial completion and commercial operations.
Located in eastern Arkansas’s Cross County, the project is expected to generate about 30,000 homes across the state. Additionally, the site will deliver about $16 million in economic impact for the region over its lifespan, officials say, with funding going toward local public services and infrastructure.
“Reaching commercial operation at the Cherry Valley Solar Project underscores Adapture’s ability to deliver scalable clean energy projects that strengthen regional grid reliability while creating real economic impact at the local level,” says Thomas Houghton, president and CEO of Adapture Renewables. “This milestone reflects not only our team’s commitment to responsible development, but also the collaboration and trust we built with local stakeholders and our contractors throughout construction.”
Bright spot: Cherry Valley itself represents a larger suite of projects from Adapture, the company says. Acquired, financed, and constructed in just under two years, the project is part of the company’s Titanium Portfolio, made up of three projects across Arkansas and Illinois, and accounting for 441 MW.
“Projects like Cherry Valley demonstrate how developers can help meet rising energy demand with new, locally sourced generation,” adds Houghton. “By adding reliable renewable capacity in Arkansas, the Cherry Valley Solar Project supports a more resilient energy system and contributes to the state’s continued economic growth.”
Distributed generation and community solar provider Nexamp has closed on a $106 million financing facility, the company says, with efforts led by First Citizens Bank.
The five-year financing facility will provide funding for a portfolio of 20 currently operating community solar sites, Nexamp says. The portfolio comprises projects in New York, Illinois, Maine, and Massachusetts. The financing leverages the company’s currently existing long-term cash flow, and uses it for future project financing for upcoming community solar sites.
“This deal with First Citizens Bank underscores Nexamp’s commitment to investing in local clean energy at a time when global energy markets are volatile and uncertain,” says Zaid Ashai, CEO of Nexamp. “By partnering with lenders that understand our markets, we can keep building projects, expand access to meaningful bill savings for individuals and businesses, and strengthen the resilience of the communities and grids we serve.”
Bright spot: The financing facility will include community solar opportunities for a variety of purposes, Nexamp says. The company has plans for projects for residential areas, as well as small businesses, municipalities, and other customers across four states.
“Nexamp has built a strong track record as an owner and operator of local clean energy projects,” says Mike Lorusso, group head of energy finance at First Citizens Bank, “and this facility reflects First Citizen’s ongoing commitment to work with industry leaders, like Nexamp, to bring more affordable, sustainable power to communities around the country.”
Argo Infrastructure Partners acquires solar portfolio from NuGen
Infrastructure investment manager Argo Infrastructure Partners LP has acquired a commercial and industrial solar portfolio from NuGen Capital Management, the companies say.
With six sites in Massachusetts and two more in New Jersey, the portfolio is now a smaller segment of the company’s growing C&I solar platform. The firm says that segment of its business now comprises 196 sites across the U.S., good for 270 MW of operating capacity in total.
“This investment represents another step in expanding Argo’s commercial and industrial solar platform, and we look forward to partnering with NuGen to support the performance of these assets,” says Michael Madia, managing director of Argo.
Bright spot: The transaction marks Argo’s 21st investment in infrastructure and energy, following an agreement with UGI Corp. in April 2026. Earlier this year, the firm acquired an electric transmission and distribution business from UGI for about $470 million in total.
“Argo’s long-term approach to infrastructure investing and demonstrated commitment to distributed generation make them a strong partner,” says David Milner, CEO and founder of NuGen. “We look forward to continuing to support their long-term performance as part of Argo’s growing C&I solar platform.”
Argo says it currently manages about $7.5 billion in assets as of June 2026, as the company continues to invest in infrastructural business assets.
LRE supports Google, Oklahoma power demand with 725 MW solar portfolio
Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) have cut the ribbon on a 725 MW solar portfolio in Oklahoma, aiming to help web giant Google with its data center operations in the Sooner State.
Representing a $1.5 billion investment from Google, the projects make up one of the state’s largest solar portfolios, representatives say. The projects will deliver domestically produced renewable energy for Google, strengthening grid reliability across the American South and meet electricity demand around Oklahoma.
“This portfolio represents a major investment in Oklahoma’s energy future and demonstrates the scale of infrastructure required to support rising electricity demand and long-term economic growth,” says Jason Allen, CEO at LRE. “These projects reflect years of collaboration and a shared commitment to delivering the reliable, cost-effective, domestically produced energy needed to support businesses, communities, and the digital infrastructure that is driving America’s economic growth.”
Bright spot: In total, LRE’s Oklahoman portfolio comprises five projects in the state, which have collectively supported more than 2,000 construction jobs. Now, the portfolio is set to generate about $148.8 million in tax revenue over their combined operating lifespans.
“Google is committed to growing in a way that supports our neighbors and strengthens the electricity grid,” says JT Tolliver, Google’s data center operations lead for Oklahoma and Missouri. “This new agreement with LRE will help bring more power generation online in Oklahoma, contributing to a more robust, affordable, and reliable energy system for all.”
LRE has also implemented site-specific biodiversity plans for each project, the company says. The company’s projects in the state include over 7,700 acres of pollinator-friendly habitats, as well as incorporated sheep grazing.
Tags: Canada, commercial and industrial, Community Solar, project, Projects Weekly, utility-scale
Source link