Qualitas Energy continues to expand its presence in North America with the acquisition of a photovoltaic solar project in the development phase located in Illinois. The facility will have a planned capacity of 164 MWp and will strengthen the company’s growth strategy in one of the most dynamic renewable markets in the United States.
The asset was acquired from Bechtel Enterprises and is located within the market managed by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), a key region for the development of new renewable capacity due to its energy demand and commercialization opportunities.
An advanced solar project with local support
Currently, the project has full site control and the required permits to advance to the next development stages. It has also received strong support from the local community and unanimous approval during the county permitting process.
According to the planned schedule, the Notice to Proceed (NTP) is expected in the second quarter of 2028. Subsequently, commercial operation date (COD) is scheduled for the third quarter of 2029.
The combination of an advanced development status and a favorable position within the regional electricity grid reduces technical and regulatory risks during the pre-construction phases.
Potential for incorporating energy storage
One of the most relevant elements of the project is the possibility of integrating up to 64 MWac of battery storage capacity.
This future incorporation would allow for the development of hybrid solar and storage solutions capable of improving the asset’s operational flexibility. Furthermore, it would open the door to structuring combined power purchase agreements (PPAs), a modality increasingly demanded by corporate consumers and large buyers of renewable electricity.
The incorporation of storage systems would also contribute to optimizing the management of generated energy and strengthening the project’s long-term revenues.
Strategic access to important energy markets
The site has a favorable interconnection position within the MISO market, a factor that increases its commercial attractiveness.
Thanks to its proximity to distribution centers in Minnesota and Illinois, the project will be able to access various customer segments. These include industrial companies, large utilities, electricity traders, and public renewable energy procurement programs.
This diversity of potential buyers offers multiple alternatives for the future commercialization of the energy produced.
United States gains weight in Qualitas Energy’s strategy
The operation was carried out through Qualitas Energy Fund VI, the investment vehicle launched by the company at the end of 2025.
With over 14 billion euros invested in the energy transition since 2006, Qualitas Energy maintains a global portfolio of approximately 11 GW of renewable assets in operation and development. Its activity spans technologies such as photovoltaic solar energy, wind energy, energy storage, hydroelectric energy, concentrated solar power, and renewable natural gas.
Alejandro Ciruelos, Partner at Qualitas Energy in the United States, noted that the acquisition reflects the firm’s ability to identify renewable assets with strong fundamentals and growth opportunities in markets with high development potential.
The transaction was advised by Norton Rose Fulbright on legal matters, Sargent & Lundy on technical aspects, and Leo Berwick on financial and tax areas.
Source and photo: Qualitas Energy
