Project Updates

Construction is officially underway at the Hickory Grove Solar Project. Ground was broken in February 2026, and civil works including grading, fencing, and underground collection line installation are now in progress across the southern portion of the project area.Approximately 180 construction workers are currently on site, with over 60% hired from Coles and Clark County…

As 2025 draws to a close, the Hickory Grove Solar Project is fully permitted and ready for construction. Pre-construction activities including access road grading and utility marking have been completed across the project area.We have finalized agreements with our primary EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contractor and have begun procurement of solar panels, inverters, and…

We are thrilled to announce that the Illinois Commerce Commission granted full construction approval for the Hickory Grove Solar Project in September 2025. This is the most significant milestone to date, clearing the way for construction to begin in early 2026.Atlantica has finalized the engineering design for all 847 acres of solar panels, inverter stations,…

The Illinois Commerce Commission held public hearings for the Hickory Grove Solar Project in June 2025. Over 150 community members, landowners, local officials, and agency representatives participated. Atlantica presented detailed findings from environmental, economic, and engineering studies.Several county board members voiced support for the project, citing the significant property tax revenues expected to benefit local…

Spring 2025 brings exciting news for the Hickory Grove Solar Project. The Illinois Commerce Commission has accepted our permit application as complete and has scheduled public hearings for June 2025. This is a critical milestone on the path to construction approval.Our interconnection study results from MISO came back favorable, confirming that the project can deliver…

Atlantica's environmental team completed its Q1 2025 wildlife monitoring survey across the Hickory Grove project area. The survey covered bird and bat species activity, wetland conditions, and vegetation status at all 14 monitoring stations.No threatened or endangered species were identified within the primary construction footprint. Migratory bird activity was consistent with baseline data collected in…

Environmental studies are complete with no significant impacts identified. Final engineering confirms a 200 MW layout of up to 67 turbines pending interconnection study results.

As we move into fall, the Hickory Grove Solar Project continues to advance through key regulatory milestones. Our permitting team submitted the final environmental impact report to the Illinois Commerce Commission this quarter, marking a major step toward construction approval.We held two community open house events in Charleston and Marshall, welcoming over 300 residents who…

Hickory Grove Wind enters the MISO interconnection queue and installs two meteorological towers to begin detailed wind resource assessment.