PVTIME – US independent power producer Sunraycer Renewables has finalised the purchase of two utility-scale solar assets with a combined capacity of 325MWac. The projects, known as Gem City and Mighty Mississippi, were acquired from Apricus Energy, a joint venture set up by NOVI Energy and Osaka Gas USA.
Gem City is a 175MWac solar facility in Adams County, Illinois, and the Mighty Mississippi site is a 150MWac facility in New Madrid County, Missouri. Both developments have secure site control, completed environmental assessments, and substantial progress has been made on core permitting work. Both assets are currently in the final stages of grid interconnection review, which is being managed by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator. Gem City is set to connect to Ameren’s 138kV transmission infrastructure, while Mighty Mississippi is scheduled to link to the operator’s 161kV network.
This transaction marks Sunraycer Renewables’ entry into the Illinois and Missouri markets, extending its operational footprint across the wider MISO power market. Construction is expected to begin in early 2028, with full commercial operation planned for 2029. Sunraycer Renewables plans to deploy safe-harboured equipment for both solar projects as development progresses.
Once commissioned, the combined portfolio is expected to deliver power to an estimated 78,500 local households. The development and construction phases are expected to generate around 560 temporary construction jobs, as well as an estimated USD 92 million in cumulative local tax revenue over the operational lifespan of the two installations.
Deals of this nature strengthen the mid-west US solar development pipeline by transferring advanced-stage projects to operators who have the capacity to see them through to completion. The participating parties have not disclosed the financial terms of the acquisition.
