AES’ Sycamore Cross solar project is a proposed solar facility in Isle of Wight and Surry Counties, 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 positive impact for both the environment and local communities.
Project overview
240 MW solar
Enough clean energy to power 58,000 Virginia homes annually
Isle of Wight and Surry Counties, Virginia
Project details
- 1,070 fenced acres of undeveloped, privately held land in Isle of Wight County
- 124 fenced acres of privately held land in Surry 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
Expected project timeline
- Development, Siting, Permitting | 2023-2024
- Construction | 2025-2026
- Operations | 2026
Economic and environmental benefits
We believe in being a good neighbor, ensuring responsible clean energy development that benefits both the environment and local communities
297,987 metric tons
- CO2 emissions equivalent expected to be offset each year, equal to the emissions generated by 63,311 cars driven for one year.
$20.3 million
- Expected to be generated in tax revenue for Isle of Wight County over the life of the project.
$2.2 million
- Expected to be generated in tax revenue for Surry County over the life of the project.
- These figures represent nearly a 98% increase over current land use tax revenues.
200 jobs
- Expected to be created during peak construction. Project will also create 5 full-time, permanent operational jobs.
Clean energy benefits local communities
- Long-term tax revenue to counties, towns and school districts
- Job creation during construction and operation
- Landowner income diversification, keeping land in the family
- Local economic stimulus during construction
- Affordable, reliable, locally produced clean energy
- Improved air quality and reduced CO2 emissions
- Social impact funding to area community organizations and non-profits
- Low-impact construction and non-permanent development that ensures land can be sensitively restored to pre-project conditions at the end of the project’s life
Best practices in responsible and sustainable development
At AES, safety is our highest priority, and we have been dedicated to 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 a growing domestic renewable energy sector while reducing dependence on foreign supply chains and energy sources.
Visual Simulations
Partnering with communities for the future of energy
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.
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.
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.
AES provided donations and volunteer support for local clean ups, local food pantries, solar workforce development and conservation efforts in Isle of Wight County.
AES is a proud member and partner of
- Virginia Chamber of Commerce
- SHINE/SVCC (Solar Hands-on Instructional Network of Excellence)
- KidWind Challenge, Center for the Advancement of Sustainable Energy, James Madison University
- University of Richmond
- Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region
- Virginia Association of Counties
- Virginia Renewable Energy Alliance
- Virginia Community College System
- Virginia Tech
Contact us
We want to hear from you! We appreciate your interest in AES’ Sycamore Cross solar project.
Phone number: (804) 829-7234
Email: communityinquiries@aes.com