SOLAR POWER IN VIRGINIA
Sycamore Cross solar project
AES’ Sycamore Cross solar project is a proposed solar facility in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, that will incorporate the most advanced solar energy technologies. The project will support the Commonwealth’s goal to generate 100% of its electricity from carbon-free energy sources by 2050. We are committed to responsible clean energy development that creates long-term value and a positive impact on the environment and local communities.
240 MW planned solar capacity
Enough clean energy to power the equivalent of approximately 58,000 homes annually
Located in Isle of Wight & Surry Counties, VA
Our clean energy commitment
We believe in being a good neighbor, ensuring responsible clean energy development that creates long-term value and positive impact for both the environment and local communities without burdening existing infrastructure.
Economic and environmental benefits
Sycamore Cross is expected to generate substantial economic and environmental benefits for local communities and the region.
3,485,000 MWh
Carbon-free electricity generated each year
$20.3 M
expected to be generated for Isle of Wight County over life of project; $2.2M for Surry County, representing a 98% increase over current land use tax revenues
200 local jobs
to be created during construction + 5 full-time operation jobs
Project details
- 1,000 fenced acres of undeveloped, privately held land in Isle of Wight County
- Project design includes a 50-ft wide landscape screening buffer to minimize viewshed impact to adjacent properties
- Buffer landscape plan will include three staggered rows of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, and plants
- AES will be the long-term owner and operator of the facility
- At the end of the project's life, a decommissioning plan allows for the land to return to agricultural use or other uses consistent with land-use policies at the time
Visual simulations
Clean energy benefits local communities
Long-term landowner income diversification
Job creation during construction and operation
Local economic stimulus during construction
Social impact funding to area community organizations and non-profits
Low-cost source of electricity that supports local energy security
Expected project timeline
2023-2026
Project Preparation
Development, Siting, Permitting
2026-2027
In Development
Construction
2027
Operational
Operations
Project updates
Sustainability Resources
Sustainability best practices
At AES, safety is our highest priority, and we’ve focused on improving lives for more than 40 years. As a leading innovator in energy solutions, sustainability is core to both our strategy and our culture. We are committed to responsible land use and incorporating sustainable best practices into the entire project lifecycle, contributing to building a domestic circular renewables economy and reducing foreign dependence.
Community engagement
At AES, we understand that our success is only as strong as our partnerships with the communities where we operate. That’s why we partner with communities, customers, state agencies, higher education, elected officials, and other community stakeholders to determine how we can best work together to support sustainable social and economic development.
- Headquartered in Virginia: AES is headquartered in Virginia and is committed to being a good neighbor to the Isle of Wight and Surry County communities. We work diligently to maximize the positive economic and social impacts our clean energy projects have on local communities.
- Virginia educational programs: AES has funded many educational programs in the Commonwealth, including STEM curricula and classroom tools. We also support local students and schools participating in the KidWind program.
- Isle of Wight efforts: AES provided donations and volunteer support for local clean ups, local food pantries, solar workforce development and conservation efforts in Isle of Wight County.
Local partnerships
AES is a proud member and partner of:
- Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
- Future Farmers of America
- James River Association
- QuickStart Children of Virginia
- SHINE/SVCC (Solar Hands-on Instructional Network of Excellence)
- KidWind Challenge, Center for the Advancement of Sustainable Energy, James Madison University
- Riverside Smithfield Hospital
- Virginia Community College System
- Virginia Cooperative Extension / Virgina Tech
- Virginia Association of Counties
- Virginia Chamber of Commerce
- Virginia Renewable Energy Alliance
Contact us
We appreciate your interest in AES’ Sycamore Cross solar project. Please contact us using the information below.