The Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency (KYMEA) was thrilled to announce the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Ashwood Solar I project, which took place on June 25, 2025. This significant event marked the culmination of years of planning, development, and collaboration to bring renewable energy to the region. Ashwood was constructed and will be operated by RWE with an agreement for KYMEA to purchase 100% of the energy produced by the project over a 20-year term.
The Ashwood Solar I project, located in Lyon County, Kentucky, will provide clean, sustainable power to KYMEA’s member communities. With a capacity of 86 megawatts, the project is expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 15,000 homes annually. This initiative was a testament to KYMEA’s commitment to promoting environmental stewardship and fiscal responsibility.
The 11 KYMEA Kentucky communities receiving power from the project are: Barbourville Utility Commission, Bardwell City Utilities, Benham Power Board, Berea Municipal Utilities, City Utilities Commission of Corbin, City of Falmouth, Frankfort Plant Board, Madisonville Electric Department, City of Olive Hill, City of Paris Combined Utilities, and the City of Providence Utilities.
“The commissioning of Ashwood Solar marks a proud milestone for KYMEA, and our member communities,” said Doug Buresh, President & Chief Executive Officer, KYMEA. “This project reflects our long-term commitment to delivering clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy to the people of Kentucky. Our 20-year partnership with RWE ensures that our members benefit from homegrown solar power while supporting local economic development and environmental stewardship. We are excited to see this vision come to life in Lyon County and look forward to the positive impact it will have for decades to come.”
“By partnering with KYMEA on our first operational solar project in Kentucky, Ashwood Solar will provide reliable and secure energy to KYMEA member customers. We’re proud that Ashwood Solar will bring local jobs and boost the Kentucky economy while adding to the growing energy mix in the state. With projects in development across the country, we look forward to continuing to bring the benefits of renewable energy to even more American communities.” – Andrew Flanagan, Chief Executive Officer, RWE Clean Energy
The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured remarks from key stakeholders, including representatives from KYMEA, RWE, and local government officials. KYMEA extended its gratitude to all the partners, contractors, and community members who contributed to the success of the Ashwood Solar I project. Their dedication and hard work were instrumental in bringing this vision to life.
About Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency
Created in September 2015, 11 municipal electric utilities entered into an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement creating the Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency (KYMEA), a joint public agency. KYMEA was formed to facilitate effective collaboration among its members to do all things necessary or convenient to serve the current and future electric power and energy requirements of the members and to provide assistance to the members related to their electric power and energy utility systems.
More information is available at www.kymea.org.
About RWE in the US
Through its subsidiary RWE Clean Energy, RWE is the third largest renewable energy company in the United States, with a presence in most U.S. states from coast to coast. RWE’s team of about 2,000 employees in the U.S. stands ready to help meet the nation’s growing energy needs. With its homegrown and fastest-to-market product, RWE supports the goal of American Energy dominance and independence. To that end, RWE Clean Energy is committed to increasing its already strong asset base of over 10 gigawatts of operating wind, solar and battery projects, focusing on providing high-quality jobs. RWE invests in local and rural communities while strengthening domestic manufacturing supporting the renaissance of American industry. This is complemented by RWE’s energy trading business. RWE is also a major offtaker of American liquified natural gas (LNG).
As an energy company with a successful history spanning more than 125 years, RWE has an extensive knowledge of the energy markets and an excellent expertise in all major power generation and storage technologies, from nuclear, coal and gas to hydro, batteries, wind and solar.