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:
December 2024 Update:
All major deliveries, civil, and mechanical work have been successfully completed. The remaining tasks include testing, commissioning, and maintenance. The project completion date is still on track for the end of December. Please note that due to current weather conditions, repairs on Beechland Road are on hold until weather permits, tentatively March/April 2025 in accordance with VDOT specification.
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.