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Horn Rapids Solar, Storage and Training Project

Representatives of Energy Northwest, Tucci Energy Services, Potelco, Inc., the City of Richand, IBEW Local 77, PNNL, and the Washington State Department of Commerce met virtually on November 10 to participate in a ribbon cutting launching the operations of the innovative Horn Rapids Solar, Storage and Training Project.

The 20-acre project is located on land owned by the electrical workers union and consists of 11,400 solar panels and a state-of-the-art battery storage system capable of providing electricity to 600 Richland homes. Also, the project will serve as a training center for solar and battery technicians across the nation.

Construction began in February 2020. Energy Northwest, will operate the facility and provided $6.5 million in funding, while the Washington State Department of Commerce Clean Energy Fund contributed an additional $3 million. Energy Northwest estimates the new center will bring $3 million into the Tri-Cities economy each year. The Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC) believes the project will promote the Tri-Cities as a clean energy hub and help attract new jobs and businesses to the community.