Bechtel, the project manager, announced that the construction of the Mammoth Solar facility, a massive 1.3-GW solar power project in Indiana, is accelerating. On May 16, Bechtel stated that the project “kicked its construction activities into a higher gear this month,” signaling significant progress.

Selected by Doral Renewables—a Philadelphia-based developer, owner, and operator of renewable energy projects—Bechtel will oversee the next three phases of the Mammoth Solar project. Once complete, this solar farm is expected to rank among the largest in the United States and boost Indiana’s solar generation capacity by over 20%. Bechtel has received a Full Notice to Proceed (FNTP) from Doral Renewables for these upcoming stages.

The current construction phases include Mammoth South, Mammoth Central I, and Mammoth Central II, each designed to generate 300 MW of solar power. The FNTP authorizes Bechtel to finalize project designs and commence permanent construction activities, such as installing solar panels, power cables, and substations. Located in Pulaski and Starke counties in northern Indiana, the site lies just southeast of Chicago, Illinois.

An earlier segment of the project, Mammoth North, a 400-MW solar farm, was completed and operational by July 2024.

“Bechtel is proud to partner with Doral to deliver one of the nation’s largest solar projects,” said Scott Austin, Bechtel’s General Manager of Renewables & Clean Power. “A project of this scale depends on strong collaboration with local building trades to ensure access to the skilled workforce needed. We’re working closely with craft professionals, creating high-quality jobs, and being a reliable partner to the community as we help deliver Mammoth Solar and increase the supply of clean, reliable solar power.”

Amit Nadkarni, Senior Vice President of Project & Asset Management at Doral Renewables, also commented: “Thanks to the meticulous planning and collaboration over the past several months, we are now poised to move confidently into construction. We remain deeply committed to the highest standards of safety, quality, and environmental stewardship throughout this phase. We are equally focused on fostering strong community relationships, ensuring meaningful local participation from the workforce and vendors, and supporting the county through direct, indirect, and induced economic benefits.”

Bechtel will be responsible for the design and delivery of the project, managing all aspects from engineering and procurement to construction, commissioning, and project management. Over the next two years, the three phases will involve installing approximately 2 million solar modules, half of which will be manufactured in the United States. The company plans to employ its digital delivery strategies and autonomous construction technologies to improve efficiency and ensure timely completion.

At peak construction, Mammoth Solar is expected to generate over 1,200 jobs. The project emphasizes workforce development, with at least 15% of jobs allocated to apprenticeship programs designed to train young professionals and new entrants into the construction sector. The entire solar facility is slated for completion and commissioning by 2027.

Looking beyond construction, Doral Renewables plans to introduce agrivoltaics initiatives at Mammoth Solar upon project completion. This innovative dual-use approach integrates livestock grazing and crop cultivation around the solar panels, allowing local landowners to continue agricultural activities while maximizing land utility.

Doral Renewables highlighted that its current portfolio of solar and energy storage projects approaches nearly 18 GW, including 400 MW in operation and 950 MW under construction. The company operates across 22 states and seven electricity markets, positioning itself as a significant player in the U.S. renewable energy sector.

Originally reported by Darrell Proctor in Power.