Red Branch Solar (Burke County, GA)

AES’ Red Branch Solar project is a proposed solar facility in Burke County, Georgia. We are committed to responsible clean energy development that creates long-term value and positive impact for both the environment and local communities. The project will support Georgia’s growing demand for new low-cost electricity resources.

Project overview

200 MW solar

Enough clean energy to power over 34,000 Georgia homes annually

Burke County, GA

Project details

Leased through voluntary agreements on 1,200 acres of privately held land, equivalent to 0.22% of Burke County’s total land area
Project design ensures minimum setbacks for project equipment of at least 200 feet from property boundaries and road rights of way, increasing to 300 feet for adjacent properties with residences
Setback areas will mostly consist of the existing dense vegetation on the property to maintain a familiar view. Vegetation will be supplemented within setback areas where needed to provide effective screening.
Customers throughout Georgia will receive clean energy produced by the project
AES will be the long-term owner and operator of the facility
At the end of the project’s life, a decommissioning plan allows the land to return to agricultural use or other uses consistent with land-use policies at the time

Expected project timeline

A project timeline graphic divided into three phases. From 2025 to 2028, the phase is labeled "Development - Siting - Permitting" in blue. From 2028 to 2030, the phase is labeled "Construction" in purple. In 2030, the phase is labeled "Operations" in green, with a gradient bar running horizontally through the timeline.

Economic and environmental benefits

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

440,000 MWh
Carbon-free electricity generated each year, improving air quality and reducing CO2 emissions

$28 million dollars
Expected to be generated in property tax revenue for Burke County and local schools over the life of the project.

300+ jobs
Expected to be created during peak construction

Clean energy benefits local communities

Long-term tax revenue to counties, towns and school districts
Job creation during construction and operation
Landowner income diversification, keeping land in the family
Local economic stimulus during construction
Affordable, reliable and locally produced clean energy
Improved air quality and reduced CO2 emissions
Social impact funding to area community organizations and non-profits
Non-permanent development and low-impact construction that ensures land can be sensitively restored to pre-project conditions at the end of the project’s life

Best practices in responsible and sustainable development

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.

Environmental and technical studies

We conduct a series of studies that ensure our projects are thoughtfully and responsibly designed.

Visual Impact Assessment
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
Wetland Desktop Evaluation
Wetland Delineation
Threatened & Endangered Species Desktop Assessment
Threatened & Endangered Species Habitat Assessment
Cultural Phase 1A Study
Topography Survey
Hydrology Study
Geotechnical Study

Partnering with communities for the future of energy

At AES, we understand that our success as a company 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 key stakeholders to understand how we can best work together to support sustainable social and economic development that complement the local geography and unique culture, to improve lives and build stronger communities. Through ongoing collaborations with community organizations like the Burke County Chamber of Commerce, AES seeks to cultivate lasting partnerships with meaningful impact.