MAITLAND, Fla., Feb. 10, 2025 - ESA is advancing its strategic expansion in Massachusetts with the Sturbridge Power and Carpenter Hill Power battery energy storage projects, now in advanced stages of development. Located at sites between Springfield and Boston, Massachusetts, these projects represent a pivotal investment in enhancing regional energy stability and addressing the massive growth in energy demand.
Together, the Sturbridge and Carpenter Hill Power projects will deliver a combined 300 megawatts (MW) of energy storage capacity and are exceptionally sited with large setbacks and existing screening. This advanced infrastructure will support greater grid reliability and mitigate challenges associated with peak energy demand.
"These well-sited assets exemplify ESA's commitment to strengthening American energy production and delivering premier investment opportunities in battery energy storage," said Lindsay Latre, Chief Executive Officer of ESA. "Backed by our advanced stakeholder engagement strategies and deep permitting expertise, we develop projects that not only overcome regulatory challenges but also maximize long-term value. Sturbridge Power and Carpenter Hill Power are strategically positioned to support Massachusetts' alternative energy objectives while enhancing economic growth."
Massachusetts' commitment to grid modernization and energy diversification presents a significant opportunity for private capital investment, particularly through the Clean Peak Standard. This policy framework enhances market incentives for energy storage and renewable integration, driving both long-term value creation and grid resilience. ESA's Sturbridge Power and Carpenter Hill Power projects are strategically positioned to capitalize on these opportunities, delivering strong returns while aligning with state priorities for carbon reduction and cost efficiency.
ESA aims to support Massachusetts' renewable energy targets and bolster the state's leadership in energy innovation. These projects will deliver significant value to the ISO-New England grid, offering investors a compelling pathway to participate in a growing, policy-supported market with stable revenue potential.
Midland Township, MI – January 22, 2025 – ESA, a leading innovator in clean energy solutions, has announced the successful permitting of the Salzburg Battery Storage Project, a 150 MW / 600 MWh standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) in Midland Township, Michigan.
Located on a 15-acre site in northwest Midland Township, the Salzburg Battery Storage Project is designed to deliver critical grid services, including peak shaving, load shifting, and regulation. Unlike traditional peaker plants, the battery system offers instantaneous response without the need for ramp-up time, increasing efficiency and reducing emissions. The project is uniquely positioned as a standalone asset, to be equipped with a dedicated substation to connect directly to Michigan’s transmission system.
“The Salzburg Project exemplifies our commitment to delivering innovative energy solutions that benefit local communities and strengthen the electric grid,” said Lindsay Latre, Chief Executive Officer at ESA. “This milestone is the culmination of years of work, showcasing our team’s ability to navigate rigorous state and local permitting processes. We are proud to lead the way in Michigan and lay the groundwork for future standalone energy systems in the region.”
Key Highlights:
The permitting process involved close collaboration with Midland Township, state regulators, and ESA’s public relations and entitlement teams, resulting in a first-of-its-kind approval. The Salzburg Project demonstrates ESA’s leadership in advancing sustainable energy solutions in challenging regulatory environments.
The project is currently in the Midcontinental Independent System Operator (MISO) 2023 Study Cycle and expects to complete the study process by 2026. The next steps include completing the interconnection process, finalizing engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts, and securing financial notices to proceed. Once operational, the Salzburg Project will be managed as a long-term asset with a lifecycle of up to 30 years, followed by environmentally responsible decommissioning.
Ascend Analytics Selected to Manage Sales Process through Ascend Energy Exchange (AEX™) Asset Sales Marketplace
BOULDER, Colorado, January 15, 2025: Ascend Analytics (“Ascend”), the leading provider of market intelligence and analytics solutions for the energy transition, today announced that it has launched a sales process on behalf of ESA Solar Energy, LLC (“ESA Solar”) for its MISO battery energy storage system (BESS) portfolio. The portfolio, located across Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa, includes 36 early-stage BESS projects, with the potential for approximately 6 gigawatts (GW) of storage capacity.
ESA Solar, a leading solar and energy storage development platform, has a proven track record in BESS, utility-scale solar, community solar, and commercial and industrial solar. ESA Solar has been an early mover in MISO, actively developing renewable energy projects in that region since 2017. Load growth, thermal retirements, and growing renewable penetration are all expected to further drive energy price volatility and heightened demand for capacity in MISO. Combined with energy storage mandates in some MISO states, Ascend expects the fundamentals to be conducive to significant energy storage deployment in some parts of MISO towards the end of the decade and into the early 2030s.
The portfolio features projects that have been diligenced and selected for their commercial feasibility and attractiveness to potential off-takers. Future buyers will benefit from ESA’s development services support, including interconnection, environmental permitting, and engineering. These projects offer developer/IPP buyers a head-start in the early-stage development process.
Ascend’s AEX Asset Sales platform and advisory service, which is part of Ascend’s ecosystem of energy transition software and consulting services, provides buyers with an objective and streamlined sales process. Interested independent power producers and investors looking to own and operate BESS projects in north MISO will benefit from AEX’s proven framework, as well as the insights and risk mitigation strategies of Ascend's proprietary Market Intelligence, PowerVAL/BatterySIMM™, EnSurance™, and SmartBidder™ products.
“ESA Solar’s track record as an early mover, whose long history of proven development capabilities in the region reflects a deep understanding of the nuances of MISO’s energy transition, presents a compelling proposition for the market,” said Rahm Orenstein, Managing Director of the Ascend Energy Exchange. “Coupled with the strategically located projects in this portfolio, optimized based on Ascend’s valuation analysis, buyers looking to enter the north MISO BESS market will have a significant head-start through these assets.”
“We are delighted to be working with Ascend to bring this portfolio to market, leveraging their asset valuation expertise and deep pool of high-quality buyers, so that we find the right partners to develop this portfolio through construction and beyond,” said Lindsay Latre, CEO of ESA Solar. “As MISO’s energy transition continues to accelerate, the energy price volatility grows, increasing the demand and opportunity for strategically located, high-quality battery storage assets.”
Ascend invites all qualified independent power producers, infrastructure funds, developers, and investors to learn more at https://bit.ly/3WiMlXQ.
About Ascend Analytics
Ascend Analytics is the leading provider of market intelligence and analytics solutions for the energy transition. The company’s offerings enable decision makers in power supply, procurement, and investment markets to plan, operate, monetize, and manage risk for renewable energy and storage assets. From real-time to 30-year horizons, their forecasts and insights are at the foundation of over $50 billion in project financing assessments. Ascend provides energy market stakeholders with the clarity and confidence to successfully navigate the rapidly shifting energy landscape.
Maitland, FL – January 10, 2025 – ESA, a leading solar and energy storage developer, proudly reflects on a year of milestones and impact in Virginia’s dynamic and competitive community solar market. From originating financeable projects in Dominion Energy’s service territory to securing key land use approvals, ESA continues to demonstrate its commitment to community-focused project development.
Virginia is one of the most challenging states for solar development, yet ESA has proven its ability to deliver results. By securing approvals for high-quality projects and advancing construction across multiple counties, ESA has strengthened its position as a trusted greenfield developer dedicated to expanding pathways to energy independence.
In 2024, ESA reached critical milestones:
ESA’s success in Virginia extends beyond renewable energy production. Through meaningful community engagement and financial support, ESA has made a lasting difference in the lives of residents across the state. In 2024 alone:
“We take immense pride in our ability to develop projects that foreground both reliable energy and tangible benefits to the communities we serve,” said Justin Vandenbroeck, Chief Operating Officer at ESA. “Navigating one of the country’s most competitive markets requires diligence, innovation, and strong partnerships with landowners and local stakeholders. Our team has proven time and again that we are up to the challenge, and our 2024 achievements are a testament to our capabilities.”
As ESA looks ahead to 2025, the company remains as dedicated as ever to the people of Virginia, with plans to further scale its development pipeline and deepen its community partnerships. “This year’s milestones set the stage for even greater accomplishments as we continue to deliver projects that strengthen America’s energy independence, enhance energy security, and create jobs in rural communities. We are proud to contribute to the nation's energy future while fostering economic growth in the areas that need it most,” added Vandenbroeck.
CAPE CANAVERAL, FL — The City of Cape Canaveral, in collaboration with ESA, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Culture, Arts, Preservation, and Enrichment Center (CAPE Center).
This landmark initiative is Brevard County's only municipally owned and operated public recreational space dedicated to the arts, history, and community engagement. It represents a significant achievement in cultural and sustainable urban development.
Originally built in 1966 as Cape Canaveral’s first city hall, the CAPE Center has undergone a complete transformation into a state-of-the-art facility, hosting galleries, educational spaces, and exhibits that celebrate cultural expression and historic preservation.
The center was designed to be a showcase for environmental stewardship, featuring sustainable design elements like a 25-kilowatt rooftop solar array, LED lighting, water-efficient fixtures, Florida-native plants, and permeable concrete in its parking lot.
Sustainable Innovation through Solar Energy
The rooftop solar array, provided by ESA, is a key component of the CAPE Center, aligning with Cape Canaveral's 2021 Resiliency Action Plan. This plan targets the implementation of onsite renewable energy sources to power all city buildings by 2035.
Since its activation in May 2023, the array has generated over 28,123.46 kilowatt-hours of electricity and has significantly reduced the building’s carbon emissions, avoiding approximately 13 tons of carbon dioxide.
"We are proud to continue our partnership with ESA as we advance our sustainability objectives," stated Zachary Eichholz, the Chief Resilience Officer of Cape Canaveral. "The CAPE Center, with its innovative rooftop solar array, embodies our commitment to becoming a municipal leader in sustainable practices, lowering operating costs and reducing environmental impacts while fostering resilience."
Facility Features and Amenities
The CAPE Center is not only a hub for cultural activities but also features extensive amenities tailored to community needs and environmental sustainability. These include a classroom, an open Florida room for outdoor events, a kiln for artistic creations, extensive wall space for artwork, and interchangeable exhibit spaces designed to engage and inspire the community.
ESA’s Role
ESA's involvement in the CAPE Center went beyond providing the solar array; the company ensured the building was designed to be solar-ready and used the project as an educational platform to train staff on advanced onsite installation techniques. This initiative underscores ESA's commitment to promoting sustainable energy and community development.
Looking Ahead
The development of the CAPE Center has been in the works for the past five years, culminating in its official grand opening on March 30, 2024. This project is a testament to the city's dedication to improving public access to cultural resources and environmental sustainability.
AdventHealth is taking another step toward reducing its carbon emissions and achieving its environmental sustainability goals with an on-site solar energy installation at its corporate headquarters in Altamonte Springs, Florida.
The faith-based health system’s corporate headquarters employs nearly 5,000 team members who work to support the system’s operations and care delivery across the country.
Starting this week, the Maitland-based national solar developer ESA will begin the work to install more than 7,500 solar panels on top of four buildings and two garages that comprise the corporate campus. Additionally, solar canopies will be constructed throughout the parking lot surface and additional electric vehicle charging stations will be mounted that can support 62 electric vehicles.
“AdventHealth is pursuing sustainability initiatives that help ensure the long-term well-being of our team members, patients, communities, business and environment. This solar installation will help reduce our impact on the environment while demonstrating our commitment in a significant and tangible way,” said Christine Stewart, vice president of organizational integration and campus administration for AdventHealth.
The solar system will be approximately 3 megawatts in size and provide 4,200 megawatt hours of electricity annually, decreasing the reliance on utility-provided electricity on the campus by about a third and saving an estimated $20 million over 20 years. A system this size generates enough electricity to power over 550 homes for one year1. Scheduled for completion by the end of 2024, the solar installation will be one of the largest privately owned corporate solar projects in Florida.
"This collaboration represents the first step in a larger strategy to help AdventHealth meet their environmental goals with on-site clean energy," said Morgan Brawner, chief revenue officer at ESA. “By developing a comprehensive clean energy roadmap, ESA is supporting the health care sector as it aims to reach the ambitious goals outlined in the Health Sector Climate Pledge.”
As a signatory of the U.S. Health and Human Services Health Sector Climate Pledge, AdventHealth has pledged a 50% reduction by 2030 in its greenhouse gas emissions from electricity. In addition to on-site solar installations, the health system is also establishing long-term virtual power purchase agreements to fund the development and operation of large-scale renewable energy projects – such as wind and solar – in exchange for Renewable Energy Certificates and participating in community energy projects with local utility providers in some of the communities it serves.
About AdventHealth
With a sacred mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ, AdventHealth is a connected system of care for every stage of life and health. More than 90,000 team members across hundreds of care sites including physician practices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health agencies and hospice centers provide individualized, wholistic care. A shared vision, common values, focus on whole-person health and commitment to making communities healthier unify the system's more than 50 hospital campuses in diverse markets throughout nine states. For more information about AdventHealth, visit AdventHealth.com/news, and to learn more about how AdventHealth is working to make its communities healthier places to live, visit AdventHealth.com/sustainability.
ORLANDO, Fla. (March 5, 2024) – Installing air conditioning to a spacious automobile service center is an expensive investment for any dealership. But according to Orlando’s Classic Mazda General Manager Chad Rogers, it’s part of an investment that has paid off in surprisingly high dividends: more than a forty percent decrease in energy costs and an increase in morale. “By installing rooftop solar panels along with an air conditioning system, we not only reduced our carbon footprint and energy costs, we also experienced a rise in technician efficiency, morale and retention. We’ve always known our mechanics were cool,” he smiled. “Providing them with a climate-controlled workspace is part of our ongoing commitment to reward and retain this region’s best and brightest auto technicians.”
Mazda has long been a leader protecting the environment. “In addition to our large inventory of cars with impressive miles per gallon, our new line of E-vehicles is meeting the growing consumer demand.” Rogers particularly noted the unique capabilities of the new Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) which exemplifies Mazda’s detail-obsessed philosophy.
A total of 630 solar panels of 480 watts each were installed on the facility’s roof. “Our solar rooftop now has the capacity to generate more than 440,000 kilowatt hours annually,” he said.
The dealership partnered with ESA Solar, a Maitland, Florida-based national clean energy development corporation with a diverse portfolio of industrial and community projects now in 22 states. According to ESA Account Executive Anne Shirley Lewis, “Together we’re reducing costs and driving sustainability in a tangible way that resonates with modern consumers.”
For more information about Classic Mazda go to www.ClassicMazda.com
Classic Mazda Contact: Lori C. Booker, APR LCBooker@CBRpr.com
“We’re shouting it from our energized rooftop.”
LAKELAND, Fla. (March 5, 2024) – When Mazda Lakeland celebrated the grand opening of its environmentally- friendly dealership last year, its most impressive commitment to the environment was still in the works: the installation of 412 solar panels to further reduce the dealership’s carbon footprint. The installation is now complete and the results are in: a whopping 46.5 % decrease in energy costs. The rooftop solar energy system has the capacity to generate more than 311,736 kilowatt hours annually.
According to Mazda Lakeland General Manager Sophia Justiz, “We anticipated a cost reduction, but not in the neighborhood of fifty percent. It definitely exceeded our expectations.”
Pointing to the available vehicles on its campus Justiz added, “Mazda has long been a leader in protecting the environment. Our cars boast impressive miles per gallon. We’re especially proud of the capabilities of the new Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). It’s a phenomenally popular vehicle that reflects Mazda’s detail-obsessed philosophy.”
Mazda Lakeland’s rooftop solar project was installed by ESA, a national clean energy development corporation with a diverse portfolio that includes industrial and community projects in 22 states. According to ESA Account Executive Anne Shirley Lewis, “Together we’re reducing costs and driving sustainability in a tangible way that resonates with modern consumers.”
Added Justiz: “In recent years we Floridians have experienced incredibly hot – let’s say bright – summers,” she noted. “Being able to capture that solar energy and then pass those savings on to our customers? Well, that’s something we want to shout from our energized rooftop,” she grinned.
For more information about Mazda Lakeland go to www.MazdaLakeland.com.
Lakeland Mazda Contact: Lori C. Booker, APR LCBooker@CBRpr.com
The Initiative Aims to Help Healthcare Achieve 2025 and 2030 Decarbonization Goals with Expert Consulting
Orlando, FL, Oct. 17th, 2023 – ESA, a leader in clean energy development across commercial, utility scale, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and community solar sectors, is announcing a new initiative tailored to assist healthcare institutions in achieving their decarbonization commitments.
Climate change presents considerable health challenges globally, and the healthcare sector faces unique hurdles in reducing its carbon footprint, especially given its intense energy needs and regulatory requirements. ESA's new initiative offers strategic insights and technological solutions to these challenges.
The healthcare sector is responsible for around 4.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions and a substantial 8% of the total energy consumption in the United States. This is due to a number of factors, including the high energy consumption of hospitals and other healthcare facilities, the use of energy-intensive medical equipment, and the transportation of patients and staff.
The sector faces unique challenges in reducing its carbon footprint. Hospitals must operate 24/7, even during power outages, and due to the healthcare sector is heavily regulated, it can be difficult to adopt new technologies and practices.
Healthcare systems are facing increasing pressure from patients, employees, investors, and governments to meet decarbonization goals by reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
"We recognize the healthcare industry's urgency to meet impending 2025 and 2030 climate goals. After working with several organizations, we found a gap in building actual roadmaps to decarbonization. ESA is now moving to develop paths to on-site and off-site energy generation for healthcare institutions. With our extensive experience in solar development, ESA is poised to guide these organizations through the complexity of transitioning to renewable energy," states Morgan Brawner, Chief Revenue Officer at ESA.
ESA's new initiative is aligned with the Biden administration's Health Sector Climate Pledge, a voluntary commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Over 100 healthcare organizations have already signed the pledge, including hospitals, health centers, suppliers, insurance companies, and pharmaceutical companies.
ESA's initiative will help healthcare organizations to meet their commitments by providing them with the tools and resources they need to decarbonize, including assessing their energy consumption, identifying opportunities for efficiency gains, and adopting renewable energy sources and energy-saving technologies.
ESA's solar solutions can help healthcare organizations stabilize operating expenses by providing a predictable and affordable source of energy. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are a popular option for healthcare organizations because they allow them to lock in a fixed price for electricity for a period of 15-20 years. This can help to offset rising utility costs and protect healthcare organizations from volatile energy markets.
ESA can help healthcare organizations analyze their facilities and identify the ones with the highest energy expenditure. This can be done by using a variety of tools and techniques, such as energy audits and data analytics. Once ESA has identified the facilities with the highest energy expenditure, it can develop a plan to reduce energy consumption and costs. This plan may include measures such as:
ESA aids healthcare institutions in reducing their Scope 2 emissions, enhancing their ESG performance, and meeting their Climate Pledge commitments for 2050. Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source that can help healthcare organizations to reduce their carbon footprint and improve their ESG performance.
Healthcare systems can reduce their Scope 1 and 2 emissions by adopting renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and electrifying their vehicle fleets. They can reduce their Scope 3 emissions by working with their suppliers - such as cold storage and logistics - to reduce emissions and by developing sustainable procurement practices.
For healthcare organizations, reliable power is essential. ESA ensures there are no service interruptions, especially vital for areas like cold storage pharmaceuticals. The healthcare sector's growth is accompanied by challenges such as managing operating costs and meeting ESG targets, exacerbated by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Energy storage and backup power can play a vital role in enhancing the resilience of healthcare organizations. Even a brief power outage can have serious consequences for patient safety. By storing excess energy generated from solar panels or other renewable energy sources, healthcare organizations can ensure that they have access to power even during grid outages. Energy storage can also help healthcare organizations to reduce their reliance on fossil fuel-powered generators.
"Our tailored consulting addresses these challenges, making healthcare facilities more sustainable and attractive for potential M&A activities," Morgan Brawner notes. "ESA is here to be your trusted partner in this essential transition. We offer financial benefits and tangible opportunities to reduce your carbon footprint significantly. The deadlines are nearing, and we urge healthcare leaders to collaborate with us, ensuring a sustainable future for the industry."
Winter Haven, FL – The Low Payment Kings powered by Mahalak Auto Group has announced a major commitment to sustainability by going solar at their Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Winter Haven, Posner Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM FIAT, and Lake Wales Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM dealerships. The company has partnered with ESA to invest in new rooftop and ground mount solar panel arrays that will be installed at these three dealerships.
In addition to reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to a cleaner environment, Mahalak Auto Group decided to go solar to save money on its climbing electric bills. As the new solar panels generate clean energy to power up the dealerships, the amount needed to be drawn from the grid is drastically reduced.
Mahalak Auto Group will also be installing more EV chargers at each dealership, in addition to the solar arrays. This move is aimed at supporting the growing number of electric vehicles on the road and providing a convenient charging option for their customers.
"We are thrilled to partner with ESA to take this major step towards sustainability," said J.P. Mahalak, CEO of Mahalak Auto Group. "We believe that investing in renewable energy is not only good for the environment, but it also makes good business sense. This investment opens up possibilities for our business, like ensuring our infrastructure can withstand the additional electric vehicle inventory and the accompanying charging stations on our lots. We are excited to see the positive impact that our new solar panels and EV chargers will have on our dealerships, our customers, and the community as a whole."
The Low Payment Kings at Lake Wales Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram location will be a 158 kW DC system comprised of 330 panels expected to generate 255 MWh of electricity per year.
The Low Payment Kings at Posner Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Fiat will be a 318 kW DC system comprised of 664 panels expected to generate 504 MWh of electricity per year.
The Low Payment Kings at Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Winter Haven location will have two arrays. The rooftop array will be a 119 kWdc system comprised of 248 panels and expected to generate 183 MWh of electricity per year. The ground mount array will be a 204 kWdc system comprised of 426 panels expected to generate 282 MWh of electricity per year.
The installation of the new solar panels and EV chargers is expected to be completed in the coming months. Mahalak Auto Group hopes that this move will inspire other businesses to take similar steps towards sustainability and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.
About the Mahalak Auto Group (MAG): Ralph Mahalak Sr. opened his auto dealership in Monroe, Michigan in 1966. He was dedicated to providing reliable products and services to his community. In 1991, he handed over his business skills and motivation to his four sons, Ralph Jr, Mike, JP, and Alex. Now, the four brothers run seven different family owned and operated dealerships committed to their communities. Four of which are in Florida - Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram of Winter Haven, Alfa Romeo Fiat of Winter Haven, Posner Park Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat in Davenport. In 2013, MAG purchased the Sorenson Schade Chrysler dealership in Lake Wales and re-named it Lake Wales Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM. In Monroe MI, the Monroe Superstore sells Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and RAM. The Buckeye Superstore in Shelby OH sells Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, RAM, and Fiat. LPK Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Defiance OH is the newest dealership acquisition. All the dealerships are branded as the Low Payment Kings powered by the Mahalak Auto Group.
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