SOLAR POWER IN VIRGINIA

Sycamore Cross Solar Project

in development

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.

Rows of solar panels in a green field under a clear blue sky.

240 MW planned solar capacity

Illustration of a gray house with a blue line extending from its door to a horizontal line, transitioning from blue to green.

Enough clean energy to power 58K homes annually

Located in Isle of Wight & Surry Counties, VA

Our clean energy commitment

AES’ Sycamore Cross Solar Project is a proposed facility in Virginia. We are committed to responsible clean energy development that creates long-term value and positive impact for both the environment and local communities.

Two workers wearing hard hats walk between rows of solar panels in a field with green grass. The background features trees with autumn foliage in shades of orange and yellow under a clear sky.

Economic and environmental benefits

We believe in being a good neighbor, ensuring responsible clean energy development that benefits both the environment and local communities without burdening existing infrastructure.

298K metric tons

CO2 emissions offset each year, improving air quality and reducing CO2 emissions

$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

Sited on 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

A detailed map showing various areas including Berrylands Corner, Dek Crossroads, and Gwaltney Crossroads. The map highlights proposed and existing infrastructure such as substations and roads. Different areas are marked in black and gray, with green lines indicating certain routes. Water bodies and other landmarks are also visible.

Visual simulations

A rural landscape with a paved road on the right and an open grassy field on the left. The road extends into the distance, bordered by trees and power lines. The sky is clear and blue, with a few wispy clouds.

A rural road runs alongside a field of young evergreen trees under a clear blue sky. The road is bordered by grass and leads towards a distant white fence and trees.

A rural landscape featuring a narrow paved road on the right and a large grassy field on the left. A row of solar panels is visible in the distance, parallel to the road. The sky is clear and blue, with some trees lining the horizon.

Clean energy benefits local communities

Long-term tax revenue to local communities and school districts

Job creation during construction and operation

Local economic stimulus during construction

Improved air quality and reduced CO2 emissions

Social impact funding to area community organizations and non-profits

Expected project timeline

Project Preparation

Rancho Viejo Solar FAQ

In Development

Rancho Viejo Solar Real Estate Impact Study

Operational

October 4th, 2022 Community Meeting Recording

A large field of solar panels under a blue sky with scattered clouds. In the background, there are green hills and mountains.

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:

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 appreciate your interest in AES’ Sycamore Cross Solar Project. Please contact us using the information below.

VAstakeholderrelations@aes.com

(804) 829-7234