Sandhills Energy plans to commence construction of two solar projects in Indian Nora and Waverley, Iowa, each exceeding 4 megawatts. These projects are part of Sandhills Energy's ongoing collaboration with the Nebraska Municipal Energy Authority (MEAN) to strengthen renewable energy generation and promote energy independence in 16 communities across 15 locations in the Midwest. The on-site construction of these two projects is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025, awaiting final environmental approval from the US Department of Agriculture.

Indian Nora and Waverly are one of four MEAN member communities located in Iowa, ready to develop solar energy. Through this partnership, Indienora Municipal Utilities (IMU) and Waverley Utilities (WU) can obtain wholesale electricity supply from MEAN and combine solar power with traditional energy sources to improve the resilience of the local power grid and reduce costs during peak electricity periods. Denver and Seget Bluff communities will install similar solar facilities by 2025.

As Western Union strives to diversify its power structure, solar energy is an important component, "said Curt Atkins, General Manager of Western Union. As our hydroelectric power units retire in 2022, new solar cell arrays will replace the electricity produced by hydroelectric power units

The 4.2-magnitude power plant located in Nora, India, covers an area of 25 acres and is owned by IMU. It is expected that the summer peak load will decrease by 10% and the winter peak load will decrease by 40%. The solar power plant located in Waverley covers an area of approximately 24 acres and can provide up to 6.5 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually.

Indian Nora Municipal Utilities Company will not only provide reliable electricity in the coming years; we will also create a cleaner and greener future for our community, our children, and their children, "said IMU General Manager Chris Desplanques.

Sandhills Energy and MEAN held groundbreaking ceremonies in June in Alianes and Sidney, Nebraska, launching the construction of 15 solar facility series. The solar facilities in these member communities will account for 5% of the energy usage in 16 cities.

Raki Giannakouros, Executive Vice President of Sandhills Energy, said, "The First Solar Series 6 photovoltaic panels in these solar facilities are very suitable for the situation in the Midwest region, with anti hail, anti snow chassis structures and the industry's best anti-aging warranty. In the turbulent utility market, solar projects will provide stability and first day savings, which are expected to increase over time as wholesale energy prices rise