ContourGlobal opens first US solar facility in Colorado

SEVERANCE, Colo. — ContourGlobal has begun operations at its first renewable energy facility in the United States, a solar plant in northern Colorado that will deliver power to Platte River Power Authority.

The 185-megawatt Black Hollow Sun I facility near Severance is the first phase of a larger solar complex. The second phase, Black Hollow Sun II, will add 139 megawatts and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. When both phases are finished, the complex will have a total capacity of 324 megawatts, making it the largest photovoltaic installation in northern Colorado and Platte River’s largest contracted solar asset.

Once fully operational, the project is expected to produce about 608 gigawatt-hours of clean energy annually, enough to power more than 73,000 homes while avoiding nearly 450,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. Platte River provides electricity to Fort Collins, Loveland, Estes Park and Longmont.

“The start of operations at Black Hollow Sun I is a pivotal moment for ContourGlobal, marking our first U.S. renewable plant to reach operational state, and especially meaningful as we celebrate our 20th anniversary since the company was incorporated in the U.S.,” said Antonio Cammisecra, CEO of ContourGlobal. “This project, together with Black Hollow Sun II targeted for completion by the end of 2026, exemplifies our strategy to deliver clean, reliable power while strengthening our commitment to local communities and partners such as Platte River Power Authority.”

The milestone coincides with ContourGlobal’s 20th anniversary. The company, which has dual headquarters in London and New York, said the launch underscores its plan to expand renewable generation in the United States while maintaining its thermal fleet.

As part of the project, ContourGlobal is using American-manufactured solar modules supplied by Qcells, which also provided engineering, procurement and construction services. The company’s U.S. portfolio now totals 2.8 gigawatts of capacity either in operation, under construction or in advanced development. That includes 1.5 gigawatts of operating plants in California, New Mexico, Texas and Connecticut, as well as plans for an additional 1 gigawatt of solar and 0.3 gigawatts of battery storage.

Local officials noted the economic benefits of the Weld County project. Construction of Black Hollow Sun I created about 450 direct jobs and 250 indirect jobs, engaging contractors, suppliers and service providers across the region. Both phases of the project share infrastructure to optimize land use and efficiency.

ContourGlobal has also sought to connect with the community by sponsoring the Severance Days Festival in August.