The Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency announced 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,” KYMEA said.
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 and has a capacity of 86 megawatts.
"This initiative was a testament to KYMEA’s commitment to promoting environmental stewardship and fiscal responsibility," KYMEA said.
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, KYMEA's President and CEO. “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," said Andrew Flanagan, CEO of RWE Clean Energy
The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured remarks from key stakeholders, including representatives from KYMEA, RWE, and local government officials.
KYMEA noted that it 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," it said.
Created in September 2015, 11 municipal electric utilities entered into an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement creating 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.
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.
