Governor Gianforte Cuts Ribbon on New American-Made Energy Facility

• October 03 2023

DILLON, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte this morning cut the ribbon on Clēnera’s Apex Solar project, celebrating a new source of American-made energy in Montana.

“We’re ramping up energy production in Montana with our all-of-the-above approach, from wind, to oil and gas, to solar, to hydropower,” Gov. Gianforte said. “We’ll continue to promote innovation and reduce burdensome regulations to be a leader in energy production and attract job creators like Clēnera to Montana.”

“With more American-made energy in Montana, we’ll also reduce our reliance on foreign energy sources and bring down the cost of energy for Montanans,” he continued.

Gov. Gianforte and Clēnera co-founder and CEO Jason Ellsworth cutting the ribbon on the Apex Solar project

Developed, constructed, and operated by Clēnera, a subsidiary of Enlight Renewable Energy, the 600-acre facility is now one of the largest in Montana.

It will provide NorthWestern Energy's Montana customers with additional carbon-free power through a 20-year power purchase agreement.

“The power generated at the Apex Solar Farm will serve Montanans as a reliable and clean source of energy for many years to come,” said Jason Ellsworth, co-founder and CEO of Clēnera. “This project is another step forward for Clēnera in putting new technologies into operation at a large scale. We have enjoyed getting plugged into the Dillon community and look forward to more opportunities to bring utility-scale solar projects online in the Treasure State.”

Representative Tom Welch, R-Dillon, echoed Ellsworth, adding, “This project has been a great one for southwest Montana.”

The installation of 198,300 modules will supply 80 megawatts of alternating current, powering 13,500 homes.

Two-thirds of Montana’s electricity generation is renewable.