MARLBORO COUNTY, SC (WPDE) — Headwater Energy, a prominent player in the renewable energy sector, has unveiled plans to expand its operations into Marlboro County with the development of a significant solar energy facility.

The project, named “Monarch Energy,” represents an investment of approximately $150 million and is set to generate 74.9 megawatts of clean energy, enough to power around 14,000 homes annually.

The energy produced will be supplied to Duke Energy Progress, with commercial operations expected to commence in 2029.

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Headwater Energy is currently working on over 5 gigawatts of solar and energy storage projects nationwide.

Jay Nemeth, Headwater Energy’s Chief Strategy Officer, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Headwater Energy is excited to invest in Marlboro County and contribute to its growing business community. Our commitment to this project reflects the forward-thinking leadership and pro-business environment cultivated by County officials.”

Nemeth highlighted the anticipated $12 million in tax revenue the solar farm will deliver to the county without additional demands on local services.

Marlboro County Council Chairman Anthony Woods welcomed the company, citing the county’s abundant electrical infrastructure and business-friendly environment as key factors in attracting Headwater Energy.

Tonny McNeil, Executive Director of Marlboro County Economic Development, added, “Today’s announcement is proof that Marlboro County is Creating Business Opportunities that last a lifetime.”

Headwater Energy, a Carolinas-based leader in renewable energy, has announced it is planning to expand its operations to Marlboro County, according to Marlboro County Economic Development Director Tonny McNeil.

McNeil said the company is developing a 75 megawatt solar energy facility, “Monarch Energy” in the area of Beauty Spot Road between Bennettsville and Tatum.

He added the company will create about 80 jobs indirectly, but paves the way for more economic development in the county.

“Most of the jobs are indirect jobs. But the long term impact of it is that it actually tees things up for larger users. So it may be, you know, a very large industrial user base, creating hundreds of jobs. And so when it comes to those large users, it’s very simple, you have it, or you don’t,” said McNeil.