Mammoth Central Solar is the third phase of the Mammoth Solar project, one of the largest solar projects in the US. Mammoth Central, also the largest phase of the project, is estimated to generate 600 MW of energy. Because of the size of it, the Mammoth Central project will be constructed in 2 phases. This project is expected to generate enough clean energy for approximately 135,000 households.
The Mammoth Solar project in its entirety is expected to generate 1.3 GW of energy, that will power approximately 275,000 households annually and has a footprint of 13,000 acres across Starke and Pulaski counties. The project was named “Mammoth” because of ancient mammoth bones discovered in fields where it would be built and because of the growing size and scope of the mammoth project.
This project started in 2019 as grassroots effort in the homes and barns of local farmers. Today, Mammoth has over 65 families, who lease their land to Doral Renewables as part of this project. Upon the decommissioning of the project, the landowners receive their land back and can utilize it as they see fit.
Mammoth Central is one of Doral Renewables’ more advanced projects. Doral Renewables has secured a power purchase agreement for all 600 MW. 300 MW of the electricity produced by the Mammoth Central solar farm would be sold to AEP Energy. The additional 300 MW would be sold to Bank of America, PNC Bank, CVS Health and Dietz and Watson, all via Constellation Energy. The project will begin construction in 2025 and is expected to become operational during 2027. Mammoth Central is expected to have a significant agrivoltaics practices incorporated in it, including livestock grazing serving as vegetation management, pollinator habitats for various species and crop production. These practices would be led by local farmers, allowing them to return to heritage farming practices, continue farm operations, maximize land use and diversify and expend their revenue stream.
