Solar development commences on Rock Creek Project, a 150MW solar farm, in the state of Iowa.
NextEra Energy Resources Announces Rock Creek Solar Project in Iowa
NextEra Energy Resources, the world's largest producer of wind and solar energy, has announced the development of the Rock Creek Solar Project in Clinton County, Iowa. The project, spanning 220 acres of land provided by MKJ Farms, is a significant step towards Iowa's transition towards renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure investment.
The Rock Creek Solar Project will deliver up to 150MW of clean, American-made solar power, enough electricity to power nearly 30,000 homes. The solar capacity of the project is complemented by 100MW of battery energy storage, ensuring a steady and reliable supply of renewable energy.
The technology used in the Rock Creek Solar Project is advanced photovoltaic solar panels with a battery storage system, similar to the technology used in NextEra's other notable solar projects. Notable solar assets of NextEra Energy Resources include the 200MW Indiana Crossroads Solar Project, the 100MW Point Beach Solar Energy Center, and the 265MW Dunns Bridge Solar Project.
Local landowner Boysen, owner of MKJ Farms, has committed 220 acres of his farmland for the development. This marks another milestone in NextEra's efforts to customize solutions for diverse customers, helping organizations tailor clean energy strategies to meet specific decarbonization goals.
NextEra Energy Resources is a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, Inc., a leading clean energy developer in the US. The company benefits from federal policies that support extending tax credits through 2029, positioning it to expand its clean energy offerings while preparing for evolving energy demands beyond 2030. As of mid-2025, NextEra holds contracts for 3.2 GW of new projects.
Commercial operations for the Rock Creek Solar Project are targeted for December 2026. The estimated cost of the project is US$320 million. The project has begun construction in Clinton and Camanche, Clinton County, Iowa.
NextEra Energy Resources is distinguished by its leading role in large-scale solar development, diverse renewable portfolio, strategic acquisitions like the Blythe project, and integration with energy storage, all backed by a broad national footprint and advanced technological deployment efforts.
NextEra's renewable portfolio spans nearly the entire country, supporting businesses in meeting renewable portfolio standards and emissions reduction goals. The company is known for pioneering technology innovations in the clean energy space.
For instance, the Blythe Solar Power Project, originally planned to produce 1,000 MW on 7,025 acres, was acquired by NextEra after bankruptcy of former developers. NextEra modified it to 485 MW capacity with 4,138 acres, converting it to solar photovoltaic technology. The project had extensive environmental review and regulatory approval processes, with the final steps ongoing as of mid-2025.
NextEra's first utility-scale solar facility in Louisiana, the Amite Solar Center, became operational in March 2025, following a 15-month construction phase. This complements NextEra’s existing Colorado portfolio of 11 wind and 4 solar energy facilities, increasing regional grid stability and supporting sustainability goals.
The company's recent partnership with Colorado Springs Utilities to commission the Jackson Fuller Energy Storage facility, a battery system occupying 16 acres at a 36-acre substation site, operational since May 2025, further demonstrates its commitment to clean energy and sustainability.
In summary, the Rock Creek Solar Project in Iowa is a significant step forward in NextEra Energy Resources' mission to lead the transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. The project, along with NextEra's other notable solar projects, underscores the company's position as a leader in large-scale solar development and clean energy innovation.
