Author: Val Newcomb

FUNDS PROVIDE ANNUAL AWARDS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS BOUND FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE OR TECHNICAL SCHOOL, ENCOURAGING CAREER READINESS FOR RENEWABLES

HOUSTON, Tx., May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Urban Grid, a leading independent power producer (IPP), proudly announces the launch of a new scholarship program to support high school students in communities surrounding its operational projects. This sustained initiative aims to provide crucial financial assistance for students attending local community colleges or technical schools, ensuring support throughout the lifespan of each Urban Grid project.

Urban Grid plans to donate $225,000 within the first five years of its program to support over 80 eligible students in their pursuit of higher education. “By providing opportunities for students in our project communities to learn a  trade and potentially move into a career in renewables and the larger energy industry, we’re funding the workforce of the future,” said Val Newcomb, Vice President of Economic and Community Development for Urban Grid.

The launch of the program coincides with the substantial completion of Crystal Hill, Urban Grid’s first operational solar project in southern Virginia and where $10,000 in scholarships will be awarded to students in Halifax County, which includes $5,000 in matching funds from Urban Grid’s EPC partner DEPCOM Power. Additional Urban Grid projects are currently under construction in Fannett Township Pennsylvania, Queen Anne’s County Maryland and Frederick County, Virginia and scholarships will be announced in those communities when the facilities are operational in 2025.

Pete Candelaria, Urban Grid CEO, expressed his enthusiasm by saying, “It’s an extraordinary achievement for our team to see Crystal Hill Solar come to life. We are grateful for the collaborative relationship that we’ve formed with many community members and government leaders in Halifax County as this project progressed. Today, we extend our commitment to this community far beyond the facility’s fence, ensuring community support for decades to come.”

“This exciting program expands opportunities for students in Halifax County and we’re thrilled to partner with Urban Grid to deliver these awards annually,” said Larry Clark, the Executive Director of Halifax County Public Schools Education Foundation, administrator of Urban Grid’s Crystal Hill Solar Community Scholarship.

DEPCOM Power VP of Business Development, Ellis Peterson, remarked “Our Partnership with Urban Grid extends beyond the build of the project and into the greater Halifax Community. We are delighted to match this inaugural scholarship and look forward to participating in additional locations in the future.”

Crystal Hill Solar was built by DEPCOM Power, which employed over 600 workers at its peak construction period from 2023-2024, and began operations in March 2024. The facility is owned and operated by Urban Grid and will generate millions in tax revenue for Halifax County and power nearly 11,000 homes annually while offsetting over 61,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions.

High school students and guidance counselors are encouraged to visit https://www.urbangridsolar.com/community-commitment/ for more information about the scholarship program and how to apply.

Urban Grid

Urban Grid, a leading independent power producer, facilitates a rapid and sustainable energy transition by developing high-quality renewable energy projects, fostering community partnerships, and serving as a good land steward. Our company is positioned to own and operate its facilities while cultivating a land management system that benefits farmers, communities, and the natural world through agrivoltaics. Urban Grid maintains a delivery-focused approach with the goal of being a good neighbor, corporate citizen, and trusted energy solutions partner. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, with teams situated strategically throughout the United States, Urban Grid has a long history of contributing to the clean energy economy. In addition to 940 megawatts currently under construction, we are actively developing a growing portfolio of more than 12,000 megawatts of solar PV and 7,000 megawatts of co-located and stand-alone energy storage.

Urban Grid is a portfolio company of Brookfield, one of the world’s largest owners and operators of renewable power and climate transition assets.

DEPCOM POWER

DEPCOM Power, a Koch Engineered Solutions company, is a leading energy solutions partner for the utility solar and broader energy industries providing Project Development Support, Engineering, Procurement & Construction, Energy Storage, Repowering and Operations and Maintenance services. DEPCOM Power leverages a highly experienced team of conventional and renewable EPC power industry veterans. Our uniquely bankable energy services are designed to deliver the lowest cost of energy and highest rate of return.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Urban Grid: Renee Reardon, Sr. Marketing Analyst, [email protected]

DEPCOM Power: Pamela Sassi, Business Development Specialist, [email protected]

Eivind Osterhus and Erica Engle bring world-class expertise as IPP operations scale in 2024.

HOUSTON, Tx., February 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Urban Grid, a leading independent power producer (IPP), has named Eivind Osterhus as Chief Financial Officer and Erica Engle as Chief Commercial Officer. The two senior executives have noteworthy career achievements and round out Urban Grid’s senior management team.

Eivind Osterhus previously spent more than twenty years at energy technology company Baker Hughes, where he held leadership roles in Finance and Operations across the world. “It is incredibly exciting to be named CFO of Urban Grid at this dynamic time, as our first solar plant is generating power and ushering in the next chapter for the company,” said Osterhus. “My passion lies in leading a team to improve business and financial performance within a company that values sustainability and collaboration. I have found that in Urban Grid’s culture and very much look forward to making an impact here.”

Erica Engle joins Urban Grid with over 20 years of energy experience in energy trading and origination. She recently served as Head of Structured Origination at AES Clean Energy, playing an instrumental role in establishing them as a leading developer in corporate PPAs for the past two years. “This is an exciting time to join Urban Grid as they expand their presence as an owner-operator of renewable assets,” Engle remarked.  “I look forward to working with the team to commercialize the solar and storage portfolio, closely partnering with our customers to continue accelerating towards a carbon-free future.”

“Urban Grid remains committed to driving economic growth and sustainability across the local communities served by our portfolio,” said Pete Candelaria, CEO.  “Eivind and Erica exemplify the leadership, passion, and shared values necessary to continue delivering on this commitment.  It is my great pleasure to welcome them both to Urban Grid.

Eivind and Erica are based out of Urban Grid’s headquarters in Houston, Texas.

Urban Grid

Media Contact:

Val Newcomb

(434) 422-5679

[email protected]