Arevon Energy, Inc., a prominent player in the renewable energy sector, has officially broken ground on its 430-megawatt (MWdc) Kelso 1 & 2 Solar Projects in Scott County, Missouri. This milestone marks the company's first utility-scale renewable energy project in the state. With an investment exceeding $500 million, the Kelso Solar project is expected to have a major economic and environmental impact, further advancing Missouri's renewable energy efforts.

The project will be developed in two phases, with the first phase anticipated to reach commercial operation by the end of 2025, followed by the second phase in the first quarter of 2026. Arevon will maintain long-term ownership and operational responsibility for the solar facility, which is poised to boost the state's clean energy capacity and generate substantial economic benefits for the region.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

‍At peak construction, the Kelso Solar project is expected to create more than 450 jobs, with a strong emphasis on employing local labor. Primoris Services Corporation's Renewable Energy business is managing the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) for both project phases. Already, the construction work has positively impacted nearby businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and retailers.

The Kelso Solar project is also expected to provide a long-term economic boost, with more than $34 million in tax revenues projected over its multi-decade lifespan. These funds will support local government entities, including public schools, infrastructure, and emergency services, further benefiting the surrounding communities.

Celebrating the Groundbreaking

‍The groundbreaking ceremony at the project site brought together key stakeholders, including local officials, community leaders, and project partners. Notable speakers included Jim Simmons, Mayor of Benton; Marcie Lawson, President and CEO of the Sikeston Regional Chamber and Economic Development Corporation; Dr. Bradley Kolwyck, Superintendent of Scott County R-IV School District; Michelle Fayette, Executive Director of the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center; and Kevin Smith, CEO of Arevon. Chris Matthews, Arevon's Vice President of Development, served as Master of Ceremonies for the event.

A Vision for Missouri’s Renewable Future

‍Kevin Smith, CEO of Arevon, highlighted the importance of the project in the broader context of Missouri’s renewable energy goals. “Kelso Solar marks Arevon’s entrance into Missouri and, when operational, will boost the state’s installed solar capacity by almost 50 percent,” Smith said. “This major project furthers Arevon’s growing presence in the Midwest region of the United States, which is a priority market for our company’s development activities.”

He continued, “Celebrating the project’s construction alongside our partners and stakeholders also gives us the opportunity to recognize the immense economic benefits the project provides. I am grateful to Scott County for its partnership as well as its leadership in expanding homegrown and cost-effective energy in the state.”

Local Support and Economic Benefits

‍Mayor Jim Simmons expressed his enthusiasm for the project’s positive local impact: “Arevon has been very generous to Benton’s local businesses and our surrounding area. I am excited to see the positive impact Kelso Solar will have on our community.”

Marcie Lawson, President and CEO of the Sikeston Regional Chamber and Economic Development Corporation, noted the broader benefits: “Arevon’s Kelso Solar has already provided substantial economic benefits to our community. Projects like these not only ensure affordable, reliable energy, but also create jobs and boost revenue streams. We appreciate the partnership with Arevon and look forward to Kelso Solar advancing toward operations.”

Community Engagement and Contributions

‍Arevon has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to community engagement by contributing to local initiatives throughout the development of the project. Notable contributions include a donation of a side-by-side vehicle to the Scott County Rural Fire Protection District, which will enhance firefighting efforts in challenging-to-access areas. The company has also supported school safety upgrades and provided construction tools for the high school’s Future Farmers of America program.

In addition to its educational support, Arevon has participated in mobile food distribution events organized by the Southeast Missouri Food Bank, assisting families in need in the Blodgett area.

Arevon’s commitment to improving the community extends to the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center, where the company has provided new therapy equipment and facilities to better serve local pediatric patients. Furthermore, the company has offered financial support to the City of Blodgett for the construction of a secondary water well, further strengthening public health infrastructure and resilience.

A Sustainable Future

‍The Kelso Solar project reflects Arevon’s broader mission to deliver clean, reliable energy while fostering sustainable development and long-term community benefits. As the project progresses, Arevon remains committed to both the environmental goals of expanding Missouri’s renewable energy portfolio and its dedication to the communities that will benefit from the economic opportunities it brings.

Originally reported by S.S. Dev in Solar Quarter.