Key Takeaways
1. Work has started on the 1.3-gigawatt Mammoth Solar project in Indiana, with Bechtel handling engineering and construction for three sections contributing 900 megawatts.
2. Bechtel will install about two million photovoltaic modules, with half produced in the U.S., along with necessary infrastructure over the next two years.
3. The project is expected to create over 1,200 jobs during peak construction, with 15% dedicated to apprenticeships for entry-level workers.
4. The commercial operation for the current phase is anticipated to begin in 2027, providing power for approximately 200,000 U.S. households.
5. Doral Renewables plans to implement agrivoltaic practices at the site, allowing for livestock grazing and crop production alongside solar infrastructure.
Work has increased at the 1.3-gigawatt Mammoth Solar project located in Indiana. Doral Renewables has given the Full Notice to Proceed to their engineering and construction partner Bechtel. This allows for permanent work to begin on three sections: Mammoth South, Mammoth Central I, and Mammoth Central II. These segments will together contribute 900 megawatts to the project, boosting Indiana’s solar capacity by over 20 percent.
Bechtel’s Responsibilities
Bechtel’s responsibilities include designing, procuring, and constructing across the three phases. They plan to install about two million photovoltaic modules, with half of them being made in the United States, over the next two years. This will be supported by new cabling, substations, and other site infrastructure. The company intends to use digital delivery workflows and autonomous equipment to keep the project on schedule and manage costs effectively.
Job Creation and Local Collaboration
During peak construction, it is anticipated that over 1,200 jobs will be created, with 15 percent of those set aside for apprenticeships aimed at giving entry-level craftworkers valuable experience on a large-scale renewable project. Leaders from Doral Renewables and Bechtel have highlighted their commitment to working with local trade unions and suppliers to develop a skilled workforce and enhance the economic benefits for the county.
The commercial operation for the current phase is expected to start in 2027. Once operational, the combined 900 megawatts AC will be able to provide power for approximately 200,000 average U.S. households. The full 1.3 gigawatt project will follow, putting Mammoth Solar among the largest solar facilities in the nation.
Agrivoltaics Initiative
In addition to generating electricity, Doral Renewables plans to implement agrivoltaic practices at the site. They intend to manage livestock grazing and crop production beneath and around the solar panels, enabling local farmers to continue their agricultural activities while coexisting with the solar infrastructure. This dual-use strategy aims to enhance land productivity and reinforce community connections long after construction is completed.
Bechtel’s involvement in Mammoth Solar leverages their experience with large-scale renewable projects, such as the Ivanpah concentrated solar complex in California. This expertise, combined with a focus on digital project management, is expected to aid in maintaining Mammoth Solar’s project timeline and ensuring operational stability.
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