Savion LLC, a Shell Plc portfolio company, has sold a 150-MW solar project in Illinois to Ameren Corporation’s Missouri-based electric and gas service division.
Solar Project To Power 27,500 Homes Annually
The Cass County Solar Project spans approximately 1,700 acres near Beardstown. Once complete, the facility will feature up to 330,000 solar modules, generating enough clean electricity to power an estimated 27,500 homes annually, based on average Ameren customer usage.
Slated for completion by the end of 2024, the Cass County site will begin supplying power to the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) grid.
The solar energy generated will support Ameren’s renewables goals through its Renewable Solutions program, which allows businesses to source renewable energy by paying a premium to meet their environmental goals. Participants in the program include major companies such as Walmart, World Wide Technologies, SSM Health, and Mastercard.
“Industrial customers participating in the Renewable Solutions program help offset some of the costs for renewables, thereby providing benefits to everyone,” said Scott Wibbenmeyer, Ameren’s senior director of renewable business development.
Project Background
After securing permits in 2020, Savion Energy began construction in June 2023, creating approximately 250 local union jobs. That same month, Ameren Missouri received approval and a certificate of convenience and necessity from the Missouri Public Service Commission.
The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2024.
Savion President Nick Lincon stated: “We congratulate and express gratitude to our partner, Ameren Missouri, for their commitment to bringing the Cass County Solar Project to fruition. This journey has been filled with excitement, necessitating close collaboration between our organizations to develop Savion’s inaugural utility-scale solar project in Illinois. We extend sincere thanks to the local community, landowners and stakeholders for their invaluable support.”
Looking ahead, Ameren aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. A key part of its strategy involves adding more clean energy sources like the Cass County Solar Project.
The company’s plan also includes using natural gas—a fossil fuel that is cleaner than coal but still produces greenhouse gases. According to its latest integrated resource plan, Ameren intends to compensate for these emissions through carbon capture or offsets.
Savion’s Commitment to Sustainable Energy
Savion Energy operates as Shell Plc’s utility-scale solar energy development platform. The company was established in March 2019 following its spin-off from Tradewind Energy, previously owned by Green Investment Group Ltd., a subsidiary of Macquarie Group Ltd.
Savion’s team of over 200 employees oversees a portfolio of more than 43.3 GW across 31 states. With approximately 150 projects in various stages of development, the company continues to expand its footprint in renewable energy production nationwide.