Geronimo Power has officially initiated construction on the 150-megawatt (MW) Bee Hollow Solar Project in St. Clair County, Illinois — a major addition to the growing portfolio of utility-scale renewable energy projects supporting rural economic revitalization across the Midwest.
Situated within the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) transmission network, the project is strategically positioned to strengthen grid reliability while helping Illinois meet state and federal clean energy goals. The development comes at a time when demand for grid stability and low-cost clean power is rising due to both electrification trends and increased industrial energy consumption.
Beyond energy production, Geronimo says Bee Hollow will deliver approximately $54 million in direct economic impact over its first 20 years of operation. This includes $17 million in new tax revenue for local jurisdictions — funding that will flow directly to county services, township infrastructure, fire departments, and public school districts.
To ensure community benefits extend beyond construction, Geronimo will also launch a dedicated charitable fund, which will support local nonprofits, educational programs, agricultural preservation initiatives, and workforce development efforts. The company has implemented similar funds at its other project sites, often reinvesting in everything from local 4-H clubs to emergency response equipment.
“We are thrilled to begin construction on the Bee Hollow Solar project, bringing forth new jobs and tax revenue for the community and further demonstrating our commitment to bolstering economic growth in rural America,” said Nathan Franzen, Chief Project Delivery Officer at Geronimo. “These communities are the lifeblood of America’s Heartland and we’re proud to see projects like Bee Hollow make a real impact.”
Construction is expected to generate hundreds of temporary jobs, with many roles filled by local labor unions, electrical contractors, and civil construction crews. Geronimo has not yet disclosed the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partners, but officials say local subcontractor participation is a priority.
Once completed in late 2026, the solar facility will generate enough carbon-free energy to power roughly 45,600 homes annually. According to EPA estimates, the project will avoid 219,100 metric tons of CO₂ emissions per year — equivalent to removing about 51,100 gasoline-powered cars from the road.
Regional planners and clean energy advocates view Bee Hollow as part of a broader economic transformation occurring in southern Illinois. Formerly known for coal and manufacturing, the region is now attracting solar, wind, battery storage, and data center investments, supported by federal incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act and state-level policies such as Illinois' Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).
With Bee Hollow moving forward, St. Clair County officials say they hope to attract complementary industries, such as solar component manufacturing, energy-intensive agritech operations, or hydrogen and EV charging infrastructure supported by clean power.
Originally reported by Tina Dasgupta in Solar Quarter.
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