Chrysanthi Vervenioti Kritikou

Asset Management Associate

Give us a brief overview of your role.

I first joined GSI through the renowned Libra Internship Program last June with the Asset Management team, and now I’m an Asset Management Associate. I manage our P3 and P4 portfolios of existing operating assets, preparing their monthly reports, monthly and quarterly budgets and tracking their daily operation and maintenance. Additionally, when needed, I support the Finance team with ad hoc tasks.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?

One of the most memorable moments I’ve had with GSI was my first week as an intern in June 2023. During that time, I had the fortune to meet Kathy Hochul, the Governor of New York and discuss the solar industry, attend the New York Battery and Storage conference, and visit our Interlake site in upstate New York. During the site visit, I had the opportunity to meet with the landowner of our Martin Solar Project, which is currently under construction. From my first week, I knew GSI would offer me a lifetime of unforgettable experiences and lessons, based on the insights I received on the multiple dimensions of our industry.

As a recent graduate of Columbia’s Master of Science in Sustainability Management, how do you feel that your education guided you to your current role?

Before my graduate studies in Sustainability Management, I pursued my undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering. During my studies I worked for a construction company dealing with project management, which helped me decide that I needed to gain more knowledge in the management and finance side of engineering. This led me to complete my Master in Sustainability Management. I was always interested in sustainability, so I wanted to combine my engineering background with an environmental cause, which is how I got into renewable energy. My current role is the best way for me to combine my passion for the environment with the knowledge I gained in my undergrad, my past experiences, and my master’s program.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

One interesting fact about myself that my colleagues might not know is that I have an artistic side. I’ve played classical piano for over 15 years, and I am very passionate about photography. Everywhere I go, I always take pictures of nature, architecture, and people – it’s a way of expressing myself, and I feel like NYC is a great canvas to live in.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

My friends are like a second family to me, so I try spending most of my free time with them. We plan dinners, visit museums, attend music events, and schedule weekend getaways. I also enjoy wandering by the Hudson River, going for a run, cycling around the city, or hiking upstate.

What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?

One of the things that is on top of my bucket list is visiting Iceland. It offers such a unique and multidimensional scenery that no other country can provide. Being able to watch the aurora borealis with a naked eye would be a dream come true!

Rapid Fire Favorites

• Movie: Scarface
• Book: Barking Up the Wrong Tree by Eric Barker
• Musician: Elton John
• Restaurant (City): Le Crocodile (Brooklyn)
• Food: Pizza
• Sports Team: Panathinaikos
• City: New York, New York

John Manore

GIS Project Manager

Give us a brief overview of your role.

I am the GIS Project Manager, and a large part of my role is using GIS software and data to find land for new projects. I then pass on that information to the land and development teams so they can evaluate the land, begin landowner outreach, and decide if it would be a viable parcel to develop a project on. When searching for land, I look at many factors, including proximity and capacity of electrical infrastructure, and environmental factors such as the slope of the parcel, the presence of wetlands and other environmental conditions.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?

I think my most memorable moment would be the company BBQ that we had in September. Since I started working at GSI in July, I was still fairly new to the team at that point. The BBQ was a really nice event to meet so many people in person for the first time. It was great to have everyone come together, meet each other’s families, eat good food, and play a lot of games.

What led you to pursue a career in Geographical Information System (GIS) project management, and more specifically in the renewables sector?

I’ve always had an interest in geography and maps as well as a passion for the environment and sustainability. So, when I was deciding on university programs, Geography and Environmental Management seemed like a good program for me. I didn’t really know much about GIS until I took several GIS courses in university and realized it was something I had a passion for. I was in the co-op program at the University of Waterloo, and I chose to do all GIS-focused work terms since GIS also seemed to be a good marketable skill. My first job after graduating was with Ducks Unlimited Canada which allowed me to pursue both of my passions of environmental conservation and GIS. GIS seemed to be a good career to meld those two worlds of geography and sustainability.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

I am a CASI certified snowboard instructor and have taught the fun and fundamentals of snowboarding to beginners of all ages. I grew up riding the icy slopes around Ottawa, and I always said to my students that if they could learn to ride well in sub-optimal conditions, they’d be set for life. I don’t teach much these days, but it was great to pass along my skills to the next generation of riders and earn some money to pay for university. I still try to get out on the slopes a few times a year when I can.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I love to golf when the weather is nice – which is not often with Ontario winters. I try to go golfing once a week either on my own or with some friends. I went on a golfing trip in Ireland with a couple of friends in May 2022, where we lived out of a car and tents, and played one or two rounds a day for 10 days straight. I’m a big runner too; I’ve been training for the past five or six months for Around the Bay, which is a 34km race in Hamilton at the end of March. In the summer, I like to go backcountry camping with some hiking, canoeing, and swimming, which provides a nice opportunity to unplug.

What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?

I’d like to go camping in the southwestern United States. I’ve always wanted to go on a trip through Colorado, Utah, Monument Valley, that kind of thing. The Grand Canyon would probably be at the top of my list; I’ve heard such good things about it. The Grand Canyon is unique in that you’re starting at the top and hiking down into the Canyon as opposed to most hiking where you would be going upwards.

Rapid Fire Favorites

• Movie: Casino Royale
• Book: Red Rising by Pierce Brown
• Musician: Zac Brown Band
• Restaurant: Rapscallion & Co. (Hamilton, ON)
• Food: Tacos
• Sports Team: Ottawa Senators
• City: Milos, Greece

Fiona Parnell

Business Development Administrator

Give us a brief overview of your role.

I am the Business Development Administrator, so the main part of my role is acting as a liaison between the business development team and other departments within GSI. I create and facilitate internal processes that help improve the functions of the team, creating a more cohesive workflow.  simplify workflows and ensure that there is collaboration and communication between departments. I administer RFP submissions, build the submission package, and manage the submission process. I also work closely with the land, marketing, and development teams, coordinating landowner outreach to maintain our meaningful relationships with stakeholders.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?

My most memorable moment was probably the team baseball game that we did a few years ago, after the COVID restrictions were lifted. After exclusively working from home for a couple years, it was a great opportunity for the everyone to reconnect, or meet for the first time, in person. It was even more special for me because, at the time, I was on maternity leave but the invitation to join was still extended to me, and my son. It really showcased the strong sense of being part of the GSI team to be able to participate in the event.

What led you to pursue a career in development administration, and more specifically in the renewables sector?

Throughout my work experience, I’ve had an aspect of my role that involves working with people and building relationships, either customer-facing or internal. I’ve always enjoyed jobs that are focused on communication and collaboration and what has drawn me to a role like mine is being able to work with a larger group of people and improve the company’s synergy. In terms of the renewable sector, when I was growing up, there was a significant shift in perspectives and information regarding global climate change and renewable energy being more prominent. Now that I have children of my own, it’s something that I think about even more. I like that my job is contributing to positive impacts on the planet, and it’s exciting to be part of environmental change.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

I own and can play a harp. I took lessons throughout elementary and high school and have played at school events, religious services, and weddings. I haven’t played for several years due to a crack in my harp, but I recently got it repaired and am excited to start playing again.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I spend most of my time with my family. I have a large extended family, as well as two boys who are 5 and 2 years old. My boys are my whole world, as anyone who talks to me quickly learns. We build forts, play a lot of games, dance and sing and find something new to explore every day. I also really love to bake, making cakes and cupcakes for weddings, birthdays, baby showers and all kinds of other events. My kids like to help me with the some of baking too, either as my kitchen helpers or providing feedback on my decorating skills!

What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?

I’ve always wanted to go to Pompeii. My husband and I love learning about ancient civilizations and Roman history. In high school, I took Latin, where we primarily studied Pompeii and its residents. I’ve always been fascinated by how much of the city is so well preserved from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, allowing you to take a step back in time.

Rapid Fire Favorites

• Movie: The Lord of the Rings trilogy
• Book: Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan
• Musician: Muse and Taylor Swift
• Food: Pasta
• Sports Team: Team Canada
• City: London, England

Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure (GSI) is excited to announce that we have closed on a $10 million revolving credit facility with NY Green Bank (NYGB) to continue funding our development efforts on our portfolio of solar and storage projects throughout New York State.

This flexible financing solution allows GSI to reallocate invested capital from interconnection expenses into new development efforts across New York, leading to further growth of our solar and storage portfolios along with an increased clean energy footprint in the state.

Currently, GSI has a combined portfolio of 52 Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Solution (BESS) projects under development and operations in New York, which is the equivalent to 350 MWdc in generation.

NY Green Bank is a New York State-sponsored investment fund dedicated to filling financing gaps in clean energy and sustainable infrastructure markets.

Building on our proven track record in New York, with several projects slated for construction in 2024, our collaboration with NY Green Bank signals the continued upward trajectory of GSI within the renewables industry in New York.

“Securing this revolving credit facility with NY Green Bank is integral to GSI’s ongoing efforts to expand our renewable energy footprint in New York, while also demonstrating confidence in our approach to navigating its nation-leading clean energy landscape.” said Joseph Sacks, CFO, Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure. “The continued development and construction of these projects will have a significant and immediate positive economic impact in upstate New York while providing direct economic and environmental benefits to residents of the state for decades to come.”

GSI is proud to partner with NY Green Bank on this groundbreaking deal and we are looking forward to the opportunity to continue our vision of creating a sustainable environment for future generations, by advancing the use of clean energy.

Noa Weingarten

Legal Counsel

Give us a brief overview of your role.

I am an in-house legal counsel for GSI. I draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts related to options and leases, project development, procurement and financing transactions while working closely with different departments. Additionally, I advise and provide support on corporate governance related issues to ensure compliance with various regulatory bodies.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?

My most memorable moment was my first interview for GSI as well as my recent visit to the headquarters in New York City. I was looking to transition in-house and the renewables industry began soaring with tax incentives fueled by increasing social support for green energy and environmental preservation. Recognizing the industry’s burgeoning potential and its alignment with my values, I decided to apply for roles in the renewable sector. My first interview of 1 hour was with David Brattan – David talked for the vast majority of the interview and at the end said to me “I hope that all my talking did not scare you away”. The following week I accepted the offer. Also, earlier this month, I had the privilege of visiting the office in NYC, meeting all of the executive team, and forming meaningful relationships with colleagues I have only interacted with so far via Teams. I will definitely be back!

What led you to pursuing a career as a lawyer, and more specifically in the renewables sector?

While my initial career plans did not include becoming a lawyer, life steered me in that direction. Academic performance and success on the LSAT opened the doors to law school, leading me to pursue a legal career which I find very fulfilling. Along the way, the media’s increasing focus on the renewable energy industry caught my attention, inspiring me to explore opportunities in that evolving field.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

I got into scuba diving around 2018 during a trip to the Galapagos, and I totally fell for the underwater scene. Being down there with a tank, checking out all the marine life – that’s my kind of therapy!

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I rock climb a couple of times a week and watch reality shows and documentaries. I like to spend time with my partner, friends, family and my dog – Chica.

What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?

Visit and scuba dive in the islands of Raja Ampat, Indonesia. I would also love to do a 20-day cruise to Antarctica and the Falkland Islands and explore the unique beauty of these remote and captivating destinations.

Rapid Fire Favorites

• Movie: Harry Potter
• Musician: Coldplay
• Restaurant: Amal (Toronto)
• Food: Schnitzel
• Sports Team: The Raptors
• City: Mexico City or Rio De Janeiro

Iyuhána Solar partnership with GSI, Saturn Power, and Canadian Indigenous peoples Ocean Man First Nation awarded Canada’s largest solar utility PPA since 2015 to develop, construct, and operate solar project in Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan, Canada – Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure LLC (GSI), one of the renewable energy subsidiaries of Libra Group, announced that Iyuhána Solar (Iyuhána), a GSI-led partnership with Saturn Power Inc. and Ocean Man First Nation, has been awarded a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to construct and operate a 100-megawatt (MWac) utility-scale solar facility in Saskatchewan, Canada. Developed in partnership with Ocean Man First Nation, the project will be one of Canada’s top 10 solar facilities by size.

Under an exclusive PPA, the largest with a utility in Canada since 2015, Iyuhána plans to invest approximately $200 million (CDN) to construct the solar facility, which it will operate, supplying generated power to the principal municipal utility company, SaskPower, for 25 years. Located in the Rural Municipality of Estevan in southeast Saskatchewan, this emissions-free solar facility will produce enough power for the equivalent of approximately 25,000 homes.

“We are proud to bring the transformative power of solar energy to Saskatchewan by working with partners such as Ocean Man First Nation,” said Mazen Turk, CEO of GSI. “This unique collaboration shows the power of renewable energy to harness resources and empower communities responsibly. This work is core to our ethos as a Libra company, and we look forward to continuing to help support a clean energy future across Canada and beyond.”

As a founding partner, Ocean Man First Nation will have an ownership stake in Iyuhána Solar. Band members will also receive specialized training to maintain the solar facilities and employment opportunities with the project. Additionally, partnering with two of Saskatchewan’s leading post-secondary academic institutions, Iyuhána will provide scholarships, internships, and direct research projects in clean energy to benefit the community.

“Our partnership with GSI and SaskPower will bring great opportunities for Ocean Man First Nation, including employment and revenue that will provide stability and sustainability for our Band,” said Chief Connie Big Eagle, Ocean Man First Nation. “We are proud that this project, which is able to generate clean power, will be known as Iyuhána Solar, which, in Nakotah translates to ‘everyone’ or ‘all of us.’ This is derived from our Nakotah belief that everyone and everything is related and therefore we must care for each other.”

While investment in renewable energy grows across Canada, Saskatchewan’s clean power supply mix has predominantly consisted of hydro and wind. This is the first of many planned solar projects in the province; by 2035, SaskPower plans to support approximately 3000 MW of new renewable energy capacity in the region.

“This new solar facility will play an important role in our path to net-zero by 2050 or sooner,” said Rupen Pandya, SaskPower President and CEO. “We are proud of our ongoing collaboration with Indigenous peoples and the critical role they are playing in the successful expansion of renewable energy in our province.”

GSI is one of four renewable energy subsidiaries of Libra Group, a privately owned, global business group that encompasses 20 businesses in six sectors, including renewable energy, maritime, aerospace and more. The Group’s renewable energy portfolio encompasses approximately 3.5 gigawatts (GW) of projects owned, developed, or pending development in 10 countries, including solar, wind, battery storage, and waste-to-energy projects. This is the second partnership with an indigenous community led by a Libra Group subsidiary.

“Libra Group is proud of this novel partnership, which has come together through shared values and a commitment to driving economic growth and positive outcomes for communities,” said Libra Group’s CEO Manos Kouligkas. “Sustainability is core to our global business, and we look forward to continuing to leverage synergies across our six sectors in 60 countries with agility and impact.”

Last year, GSI acquired Saturn Power Inc.’s solar and battery development portfolios, including its team of seasoned developers and an approximate 1.4-gigawatt (GW) pipeline of early- to late-stage solar and energy storage projects. Today, GSI has a footprint across Canada and in 12 U.S. states.

About Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure

Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure (GSI) is one of the clean energy subsidiaries of Libra Group. GSI is a renewable energy company focused on the development, construction, and operation of distributed generation and utility-scale solar energy and battery storage projects in North America. As of January 2024, the company developed approximately 388 MW DC across 71 renewable energy projects, many of which are still owned or operated by GSI and have an additional project pipeline of 1.6 GW. GSI’s seasoned team has a proven track record of investing in power assets and partnering with multiple top-tiered investors.

About Ocean Man First Nation

The Ocean Man First Nation is a Nakota, Cree, and Saulteaux Band Government in southeast Saskatchewan.  OMFN is led by Chief Connie Big Eagle & Council and features a population of 565 members. Ocean Man First Nation created a renewable energy company in 2019 called Second Wind Power. The name Second Wind Power reflects Ocean Man First Nation’s history of relocating, re-establishing and starting over as a new community since 1989.

About Libra Group

Libra Group is a privately owned, global business group encompassing 20 businesses predominately focused on aerospace, renewable energy, maritime, real estate, hospitality, and diversified investments. With assets and operations in nearly 60 countries, the Group applies the strength of its global network and capabilities to deliver cross-sector insights and growth at scale. For more information, visit www.libra.com.

To learn more about SaskPower’s energy future, visit: www.saskpower.com/futuresupply

Antonis Pinotsis

Associate Asset Management

Give us a brief overview of your role.

I joined GSI in February 2021 as the Asset Manager responsible for the solar and combined heat and power (CHP) portfolios. In my first year at GSI, I concentrated on technical asset management and optimization, conducting site visits with our operations and maintenance teams and focusing on asset performance, including some repowering projects. Eventually, my role evolved into financial, technical, and compliance asset management. My primary goal is to ensure that we meet our yearly financial and contractual commitments, establish strong relationships with our off-takers, and increase value for our shareholders.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?

The most memorable moment was the day I met my new colleagues following the Saturn Power acquisition. I traveled for the first time to Canadian Office at the end of April to meet everyone. It was fascinating to explore the new city and see the office. Not only was it very exciting to meet my new colleagues, but it was also exciting for GSI’s expansion into new horizons. It was also a moment to reflect on the great work that both teams put in over the past year to take the acquisition to the finish line.

What led you to a career in asset management, and more specifically in the renewables sector?

During my master’s degree program in Mechanical Engineering, I focused on Energy Systems. I completed five courses related to energy and infrastructure that introduced me to the industry and its terminology. One of the courses was specifically about Solar Energy, and after finishing it, I conducted a research project in the professor’s lab. By the time I graduated, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the Renewable Energy industry.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

I have spent my summer taking sailing courses on the Hudson River, and it has been an enjoyable experience. I have recently received certification, and during the test, we encountered a storm which taught me how to adapt to more challenging weather conditions.

What do you enjoy most about living in New York City?

I like the diversity of New York City; there are so many options for recreational activities, universities, museums, restaurants, and parks. It’s a city with millions of people, and everyone has a different story. The possibilities are endless, and that’s why it’s the city of opportunity.

How do you relax outside of work?

I usually go to Central Park and hang out with friends there. I also really enjoy swimming and wall climbing; I try to do these activities a couple of times a week when I’m not very busy.

What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?

I would like to travel across the Mediterranean and try all the different cuisines each destination offers.

What is a personal accomplishment that you are proud of?

In 2014, I volunteered at the Doctors Without Borders fundraising department in Athens, Greece, and we managed to meet the fundraising goal at the end of the year. That was a great achievement for me.

Rapid Fire Favourites

• Movie: The Martian
• Musician(s): The Rolling Stones
• Restaurant (City): Raoul’s (New York City)
• Food: Fish
• City: Athens, Greece

Adam Branovan

Analyst

Give us a brief overview of your role.

I started at GSI in May of 2022 as a financial analyst. Broadly, my job is to drive the financial modeling behind a lot of the development and investment decisions. That applies throughout the development or operating process, such as the early stages, where we’re trying to evaluate new projects and markets based on early research and experience in similar markets. I also provide support in the later stages, where we already have a lot of information about a particular project, and we need to determine the next steps in the development process. On that end, I also help with preparing items to facilitate lending or tax equity.

What is the most memorable moment you have had working here?

The day the acquisition of Saturn Power closed was probably the busiest and most memorable. Everyone was wearing a bunch of hats because we all had our normal day-to-day work to do on top of all the last-minute work that goes into finalizing documentation and wrapping up the acquisition. And then, on my end, part of my responsibility was facilitating the press release and website changes, which was new for me. So, I think the most memorable moment was when that finally closed, and then we could all put the laptops away and relax for a moment.

What led you to a career in finance, and more specifically in the renewables sector?

I had taken a couple of classes that I really liked in college that led me in that direction. I took a class called impact investing, a type of niche investment industry where you’re focused on investing in companies with a particular social or environmental impact. I really enjoyed this and found it interesting. The class was unique in that we were able to act as Angel Investors to invest part of the college’s endowment in environment focuses companies. I really liked that process and the marrying of the financial and environmental analysis. After college, I started working at a real estate investment company, which was my first exposure to project finance. And then, when I saw this opportunity, I thought it was a really good way to combine the infrastructure finance part with my interests in renewables.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

I’ve been learning to play guitar for the last year, and I’ve really been enjoying it. I’m mostly teaching myself, but I have a couple of friends who help me out with it. Generally, I just find a few songs that I like listening to and look up the chords for them and try to figure it out from there.

What is the main thing that you would like to cross off your bucket list?

Heli-skiing is a big one on my bucket list. It’s basically skiing in a remote, backcountry area where you have to get helicoptered in. That’s a big dream for me, for sure.

How do you relax outside of work?

I have a few hobbies I like to do in my free time, like playing guitar or playing chess in the park – I do that a couple of times a week. I also have quite a few friends who live really close by too, so I hang out with them a lot.

What is a personal accomplishment that you are really proud of?

My friend and I started a ski club at my college, where we convinced the school to give us funding so that we could set up ski trips and lessons for beginners who had never skied before.

Rapid Fire Favourites

• Movie: Spider-man: Into the Spider-Verse
• Book: Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
• Musician: Hozier
• Restaurant (City): Suraya (Philadelphia)
• Food: Bagels
• City: Melbourne, Australia

Parth Sheta

Energy Storage Engineer

Give us a brief overview of your role.

I joined the organization two years ago as an energy storage engineer. My main role involves designing for both solar and storage projects. The design incorporates transformer size, cable size, and many other components. I deal with the interconnection applications for various states from the submission stage up until we receive the cost estimate. On certain projects, I assist with commissioning relays, and I often help with maintenance in terms of engineering support.

What led you to a career in Engineering, and more specifically in the renewables sector?

I was always interested in engineering, so I studied electrical engineering in college. It was a simple decision for me – engineering is what I know. In terms of the renewables sector, my last job involved designing parts and conducting arc flash studies. One project brought to our company was the design of a rooftop solar system for one of the sites. I found this really interesting and was fascinated by working on solar sites. After this, I began looking for another job opportunity at companies within the solar or renewables sector.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.

I’m a big foodie; I don’t think many people know that about me. My favourite spots to go to are probably Mexican joints. Thankfully my wife is an amazing cook because I don’t cook much.

What is the main thing that you would like to cross off your bucket list?

I want to go skydiving. About a year and a half ago, I went bungee jumping, and I feel like skydiving would be more challenging. I wasn’t scared of heights at all before I went bungee jumping, but now I’m a little more scared, but that’s what makes it so much more fascinating. Maybe one time, when I go home to India, I’ll visit Dubai and go skydiving.

What is your favorite way to spend your free time?

I like to spend my free time with my family and friends, just hanging out with good conversation and a glass of beer. I love to listen to music as well; I’m a big fan of Bollywood music. I like A.R. Rahman – he’s an artist from the movie Slumdog Millionaire. I also love sports. I play cricket, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, and sometimes basketball. I like to play any sport and try new ones. I haven’t had any training or been on official teams, but I do sports often in my free time.

What is a movie that you never get tired of rewatching?

One of the movies I recently watched was An Unfinished Life with Morgan Freeman and Jennifer Lopez. It was a bit slow, but I liked how heartfelt it was; I like movies with strong emotional connections. Interstellar is also a great movie. I typically rewatch comedies like We’re the Millers when they come on TV because those are ones you can never get bored with.

If you could only get delivery or takeout from one local restaurant for the next 3 months, what spot and meal are you picking?

Maybe gnocchi from Scaddabush. I really love it with pesto.

X-Caliber Rural Capital (“XRC”) and L’Anse Warden Electric Company (“LWEC”), a subsidiary of Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure (“GSI”), have closed on a refinancing for LWEC’s biomass power plant located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (“UP”).

This refinancing, in part backed by the USDA’s Business & Industry (“B&I”) loan program, enabled LWEC to refinance short-term financing, which was utilized for various capital improvements and investments to the plant.

In addition to providing a competitive long-term financing solution, the transaction will enable a continued positive impact on the UP’s rural community economy.

LWEC’s biomass plant will continue to provide reliable baseload power to the UP’s grid and support the region’s energy infrastructure. This is all made possible through the experience, dedication, and expertise of the local workforce.

Working with XRC has allowed LWEC to access financing with impact – an effective solution for the good of the community, including local job creation and retention.

X-Caliber Rural Capital’s B&I program supports many rural business development projects, including business expansion, business acquisition, equipment purchases and installation, and working capital.

This transaction outlines how USDA programs support job retention and creation in rural communities nationwide.

LWEC’s commitment to providing renewable energy throughout our community and region remains steadfast, and this collaboration with XRC will further strengthen that commitment for the foreseeable future.  LWEC and GSI are thankful for XRC’s partnership and advocacy and look forward to working with them in the years ahead.