National energy firm named a finalist for work on first-of-its-kind agrivoltaic project in Maine
Edison, NJ, November 12, 2021 – CS Energy, a leading integrated energy firm that designs and builds optimized projects in the solar, storage and emerging energy industries, has been named a finalist in the S&P Global Platts Global Energy Awards, an annual program recognizing exemplary corporate and individual innovation, leadership and superior performance. The 2021 finalists were just announced by program host S&P Global Platts, the leading global provider of energy and commodities information and spot market benchmarks.
CS Energy was named a finalist in the Construction Project of the Year Award category for the firm’s innovation, ability to overcome technical challenges, financial results, operational excellence, and adaptability on the Rockport Maces Pond agrivoltaic project, which is owned by Navisun. This 4.2 MW solar project represents Maine’s first co-located blueberry and solar energy project and required CS Energy to closely collaborate with ecologists and researchers from the University of Maine at each stage of the project to ensure minimal impact to underlying blueberry bushes.
CS Energy’s experienced in-house construction and engineering teams meticulously designed and managed three distinct control areas – extremely cautious construction, moderately cautious construction, and standard construction – within the 5-acre site. Previously deemed untenable for solar, this site also featured a rocky sublayer and the solar system needed to be built at greater heights to allow farmers to access the blueberries. Despite the significant additional engineering and construction sequencing required for this agrivoltaic project, CS Energy completed the project on time and on budget.
“The Rockport Maces Pond project is a prime example of how a space previously thought to be untenable for solar, such as a blueberry farm, can be converted into a productive clean energy generating field and exemplifies exactly how CS Energy operates,” said Matthew Skidmore, CEO of CS Energy. “We always seek to innovate, collaborate, and continually reassess in order to provide the best possible solution for our client. I am proud of our team and the recognition that this meaningful project has already earned.”
Established in 1999 and often described as “the Oscars” of the energy industry, the S&P Global Platts Global Energy Awards highlight achievement in 22 categories spanning the entire energy complex. “This year’s complement of 196 finalists truly indicates the outstanding innovation and supreme leadership occurring in so many sectors across our industries,” said Jenny Salinas, Vice President, Marketing, S&P Global Platts. “Companies are tackling critical issues such as emissions control, digitization, investment to improve the quality of life, and so much more. We are proud to honor these individuals and companies on their achievements.”
Winners will be selected from each corresponding group of finalists by the Global Energy Awards’ independent panel of judges and announced at the S&P Global Platts Global Energy Awards black-tie gala in New York on December 9th. The ‘Energy Company of the Year’ will be chosen from the entire list of finalists.
For a full list of awards categories and a list of finalists for the 2021 S&P Global Platts Global Energy Awards, visit: https://www.spglobal.com/platts/global-energy-awards/finalists/2021. To register to attend the awards ceremony, visit: https://www.spglobal.com/platts/global-energy-awards/attend.