Sycamore Cross solar

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. We are committed to responsible clean energy development that creates long-term value and positive impact for both the environment and local communities.

Project overview

240 MW solar

Enough clean energy to power 58,000 Virginia homes annually

Isle of Wight and Surry Counties, Virginia

Project details

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

Expected project timeline

Development, Siting, Permitting | 2023-2024
Construction | 2025-2026
Operations | 2026

Economic and environmental benefits

We believe in being a good neighbor, ensuring responsible clean energy development that benefits both the environment and local communities

297,987 metric tons

CO2 emissions equivalent expected to be offset each year, equal to the emissions generated by 63,311 cars driven for one year.

$20.3 million

Expected to be generated in tax revenue for Isle of Wight County over the life of the project.

$2.2 million

Expected to be generated in tax revenue for Surry County over the life of the project.
These figures represent nearly a 98% increase over current land use tax revenues.

200 jobs

Expected to be created during peak construction. Project will also create 5 full-time, permanent operational jobs.

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, locally produced clean energy
Improved air quality and reduced CO2 emissions
Social impact funding to area community organizations and non-profits
Low-impact construction and non-permanent development 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 have been dedicated to 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 a growing domestic renewable energy sector while reducing dependence on foreign supply chains and energy sources.

Visual Simulations

Partnering with communities for the future of energy

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.

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.

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.

AES provided donations and volunteer support for local clean ups, local food pantries, solar workforce development and conservation efforts in Isle of Wight County.

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 want to hear from you! We appreciate your interest in AES’ Sycamore Cross solar project.

Phone number: (804) 829-7234

Email: VAstakeholderrelations@aes.com