Arkansas Set to Launch Its Largest Solar Project: $32 Million Investment to Benefit University of Arkansas System

Arkansas makes history with the largest solar project in the state's commercial sector, funded by a $32 million investment from Climate United, benefitting the University of Arkansas system and saving millions in energy costs.

In a historic move for renewable energy in Arkansas, Climate United, a national nonprofit coalition, has announced a $32 million pre-construction financing for what is expected to be the largest commercial and industrial solar project in the state's history. The funding will go to Scenic Hill Solar for the ambitious project, which will benefit the University of Arkansas (UA) system.

This investment marks the first from the $7 billion fund received by Climate United through the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Clean Investment Fund. The fund, created by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, aims to accelerate the transition to clean energy across the U.S.

Beth Bafford, CEO of Climate United, expressed excitement over the project, stating, “We are proud to finance this landmark clean energy project that will generate cost savings that benefit students, stimulate economic development in rural areas, and position Arkansas as a leader in our clean energy future.”

The project will feature the construction of 18 solar power plants, projected to save the UA system over $120 million in energy costs over the next 25 years. This initiative will impact more than 70,000 students and 17,000 employees across multiple campuses, making a significant contribution to the university’s sustainability goals.

Scenic Hill Solar’s CEO, Bill Halter, highlighted the magnitude of the project, calling it "the most ambitious and complex solar power development in Arkansas history." He emphasized that this partnership with Climate United is paving the way for Arkansas to become a leader in renewable energy.