by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)
Little Rock-based Scenic Hill Solar has secured $31.8 million in financing from Climate United to support a more than $100 million solar power project for the University of Arkansas System. The project was first announced in May 2023.
Following are estimated benefits of the project, according to Climate United.
• The UA System is expected to save over $120 million in energy costs over the next 25 years, directly benefiting over 70,000 students and 17,000 employees across multiple campuses.
• The construction of 18 solar power plants will provide over $120 million of direct economic
development in every region of Arkansas and employ hundreds of electricians, civil contractors, and construction workers.
• In tandem, the UA System has launched educational and workforce development initiatives in renewable energy construction and electric vehicle (EV) repair to expose students to these growing sectors.
• The project will generate more than 4 billion kWh of clean electricity during the 40-year life of the solar power plants. The environmental benefits of this solar electricity generation will be the equivalent of over 7 billion fewer passenger car miles or the planting of 46 million trees
Scenic Hill taps $31.8 million in financing for UA System solar project
