US-based independent power producer Sunraycer Renewables has acquired two utility-scale solar projects totalling 325MWac in Illinois and Missouri from Apricus Energy.

Apricus Energy is a joint venture (JV) between NOVI Energy and Osaka Gas USA, established in 2021 to support renewable infrastructure growth across the US.

The purchase includes the Gem City and Mighty Mississippi solar projects.

These additions will expand Sunraycer’s presence in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) market and introduce the company to the Illinois and Missouri renewable energy sectors.

The Gem City project, situated in Adams County, Illinois, will have a capacity of 175MWac and is planned to connect to Ameren’s 138kV transmission system.

The Mighty Mississippi project, located in New Madrid County, Missouri, has a capacity of 150MWac and will connect to Ameren’s 161kV system.

Both sites have obtained site control and completed environmental assessments, with major permitting activities already achieved.

The projects are currently in the last stage of MISO’s interconnection process.

Construction is scheduled to commence in early 2028, with commercial operations expected to begin in 2029.

Sunraycer intends to utilise safe-harboured equipment in both projects.

According to Sunraycer, the two projects are projected to supply electricity to around 78,500 homes, create about 560 construction jobs, and deliver $92m in local tax revenue over their operational lifetimes.

The company plans to work with landowners, local government, and community stakeholders in Adams and New Madrid counties as development proceeds.

Sunraycer CEO David Lillefloren said: “Gem City and Mighty Mississippi are compelling additions to our growing portfolio of advanced, well-sited solar projects.

“Both projects expand our geographic reach and position us to help meet growing electricity demand across the Midwest. We’re grateful to the Apricus team for their work advancing these projects and look forward to carrying them through construction and into operation.”

Algorithm Law acted as legal counsel for Sunraycer, while Holland & Knight advised Apricus Energy.

Backed by Crayhill Capital Management, Sunraycer maintains a pipeline of approximately 3GW of utility-scale solar and battery power plants.

In May 2026, the company finalised a $901m project financing facility to develop and operate three solar and battery storage projects in Texas, US.