AES’ Cavalier solar project, which is currently under construction, incorporates the most advanced solar energy technologies to support the Commonwealth’s goal to transition its electric grid to 100% clean energy by 2050. AES developed and will own and operate the Cavalier Solar facility when construction is completed in late 2024.
Construction update:
Construction Update (November 2024):
Both phases of Cavalier are now mechanically complete. Remaining work includes testing, commissioning, veg buffer installation and maintenance, as well as road repairs. Currently, AES plans to tentatively resurface Beechland/Jones Dr (626) from the intersection of Burwells Bay Rd (621, IOW County) to the intersection of White Marsh (617, Surry County). This resurfacing work is scheduled to begin on Monday, Dec. 2, and continue through Friday, Dec. 13th. There are no plans to close the Beechland/Jones Dr during this road repair, as crews will aim to keep one lane open (with flaggers) at all times to allow local traffic movement.
Construction update, Sept 2024
These are some of the construction updates and activities you can expect in the area surrounding the Cavalier solar project.
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Civil work across the project is 97% complete:
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Remaining landscaping activities to re-commence (and complete) in October 2024.
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All remaining solar arrays are to be energized by mid-September 2024.
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Project COD (Commercial Operations Date) is targeted for 10/31/2024.
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Currently 75 workers on site.
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Anticipated work force to be < 50 total by end of September 2024.
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Anticipated work force to be < 25 total by end of October 2024.
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All solar arrays throughout the project are now 100% mechanically complete, with only testing and commissioning work remaining.
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The majority of the labor force is now concentrated on the remaining scope West of Beechland (along White Marsh Rd.).
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Road repairs have been completed along Bellevue Rd.
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AES is currently working with VDOT and Surry/IOW Counties on resurfacing plan for Beechland Rd.
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White Marsh Rd repairs to be completed after project COD (>10/31/24).
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AES has coordinated directly with Surry County Sheriff’s Department to hire off-duty Sheriff Deputies to patrol the Cavalier Solar project area.
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These officers are intended to calm traffic (both project and non-project); while also providing the area with an immediate resource for emergencies.
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Off-duty Sheriff Deputies planned to be present through October 2024.
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The majority of major material deliveries remaining across project will be focused along White Marsh / East of Beechland and expected to be completed by early Q3 2024.
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99% of deliveries are complete, with only misc. spare parts, and civil material, left to deliver.
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Project overview
240 MW of clean energy capacity
Enough clean energy to power 40,000 homes
Located in Isle of Wight and Surry counties, on Mill Swamp Road, about 8 miles west of Smithfield, Virginia
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219,000 MWh of carbon-free electricity every year
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1,000-acre site, developed entirely on privately-owned land
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94,700 metric tons of CO2 emissions equivalent expected to be offset annually
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35-year project life span
Project timeline
Environmental & economic benefits
The Cavalier solar project will make a significant economic contribution to both Isle of Wight and Surry Counties.
787 construction jobs and approximately 10 full-time equivalent jobs during the facility’s operational life
$990,000+ in annual economic output in Surry and Isle of Wight Counties
$2 million in cumulative county tax revenue in Isle of Wight over operational lifetime
Clean energy plays an increasingly vital role in Virginia’s economy. AES has a proven track record developing successful clean energy projects in the Commonwealth that provide affordable and reliable clean energy while creating significant economic opportunities and benefits for local landowners and communities. We do this while preserving the rural nature of the areas where our projects are located.
AES’ recently completed Skipjack Solar Center in nearby Charles City County, Virginia is a testament to the importance of strong local partnerships in successful clean energy development.
Community engagement
AES is headquartered in Virginia and is committed to being a good neighbor to the communities of Isle of Wight and Surry Counties and to the Commonwealth. We work diligently to maximize the positive economic and social impacts our clean energy projects have on local communities.
Supporting a strong community
AES is dedicated to supporting local programs and initiatives to help build a stronger, more connected community:
- Sponsored the Clean Energy Challenges, allowing Smithfield High School students to participate and make it to the national competition
- Supported the Economic Development Agency to provide grants to small businesses
- Supported Crater Regional Workforce Development
- Donated to First Baptist Church in Spring Grove
- Sponsored meals for seniors from Virginia Diner
- Sponsored Surry County and Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce programs
Meet your AES team
Greg Creswell
Senior Development Manager, AES
As the lead developer for the Cavalier solar project, Greg is responsible for coordination of all development aspects of the project, including securing land rights, interconnection rights, local permitting and property tax agreements. Greg has more than eight years of experience in renewables, including development and construction and three years of solar facility operations, giving him a detailed understanding of solar projects from start to finish. Greg is a graduate from the University of Richmond with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. When not building a sustainable future for his children, he enjoys camping, fishing and paddle boarding with them.
Jenn D’Augustine
Permitting Manager, AES
Jenn D’Augustine is a permitting manager with AES and has 8 years of experience in environmental and land use permitting, specializing in renewable energy. She manages permitting efforts for AES’ utility-scale solar projects throughout the eastern United States by determining permitting strategies and coordinating with a variety of stakeholders to ensure a project’s success. Jenn is a professional wetland scientist based in Richmond, Virginia, and she enjoys all things outdoors including hiking, kayaking and upland gamebird hunting.
Tamara Slade
Senior Stakeholder Relations Manager, AES
Tamara Slade is the Sr. Manager of Stakeholder Relations for AES in the PJM region and has extensive experience navigating complex energy and telecommunications landscapes. Since 2006 she has successfully engaged with local and state government entities and built support for infrastructure projects while showcasing expertise in stakeholder relations, regulatory affairs, operations, and government relations. She graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and holds a juris doctor from Regent University School of Law. She enjoys golf, exploring beaches, and the food and culture of various travel destinations while accompanied by her spouse and two children.