Our team provided self-perform construction services as part of the engineer-procure-construct (EPC) partner for a 1,700-acre, 346-megawatt solar facility in McLean and Ford counties, Illinois, to add renewable power quickly using an existing grid interconnection.
Speed to market is a key driver for applying the EPC approach. As the construction subsidiary of Burns & McDonnell, we are supporting execution and maintaining schedule momentum. Our teams also led the construction and expansion of substation capacity.
The project uses terrain-following NextTracker “bendy trackers” that mimic site contours. Across all 1,700 acres, grading has been limited to less than 40,000 cubic yards — a reduction of up to 90% compared to a typical project, reducing disturbance, erosion and reseeding needs.
The EPC contract provides for delivery of the Gibson City Solar Project for Earthrise Energy. The 1,700-acre site will generate 346 megawatts (MW), enough to power about 46,000 homes. By tying into an existing interconnection switchyard for an adjacent natural gas-fired peaking plant, the project avoids queue delays and accelerates service to customers.