Edelen Renewables 2025 Annual Report

A Message from Adam Edelen

At Edelen Renewables, we are unapologetically in a hurry. The urgency of our mission demands it. The sum of our efforts, initiatives, and ambitions made 2025 a year of meaningful impact for the communities we serve, for the planet, and for our growing team.

Our vision of coal-to-solar—the belief that legacy energy communities should not be left behind in the transition to clean power became a tangible reality with the continued advancement of our work across Kentucky. In 2025, we built upon that historic milestone and accelerated development across a pipeline representing more than $3 billion in projects throughout coal country that will take shape in the years ahead.

We live our values, and our portfolio reflects an unwavering commitment to our Social Impact Solar mission. From partnerships with African American farmers across the Deep South, to emerging collaborations with Tribal communities, to revitalization efforts in former coal regions, Edelen Renewables works every day to expand and diversify the communities benefiting from the defining energy transition of our time.

Throughout 2025, we strengthened partnerships across the entire energy ecosystem, from global corporations and leading utility providers to small communities often overlooked by investment and opportunity. Each has entrusted us with advancing their sustainability commitments, and we remain steadfast in our responsibility to deliver results.

This year also brought meaningful recognition of our work, including being honored with Kentucky’s Top Environmental Impact Award and receiving a nomination for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year. While these accolades are deeply appreciated, they ultimately reflect the dedication and purpose of the people behind them.

My greatest source of pride remains our team. Their talent, grit, and relentless focus on our mission define who we are. Together, they form an extraordinary group of innovators and builders, individuals united by purpose and driven to create lasting impact. As we move forward, our team will continue to grow alongside our record of achievement.

The work we do is profoundly important, and legacy is our why. Building the future while honoring the communities that powered our past is what motivates us every day. We are creating jobs, strengthening local economies, and helping lead a once-in-a-generation transformation of how energy is produced and shared. And as always, we remain in a hurry.

Adam H. Edelen, CEO Edelen Renewables

Our Mission

At Edelen Renewables, our mission is simple: Bringing the promise of renewable energy to the forgotten places of America. We are dedicated to advancing the transition to a clean, sustainable energy future by focusing on renewable energy solutions that empower communities and create lasting environmental impact. By providing innovative, reliable, and cost-effective solar power, we aim to bridge the energy gap in underserved and remote regions, ensuring that every community— regardless of its location—has access to the benefits of renewable energy.

Our commitment to renewable energy is not just about providing power—it’s about building stronger, more resilient communities. Through tailored solar solutions, we strive to reduce energy costs, enhance energy independence, and create new economic opportunities. As we work with local stakeholders and organizations, we are dedicated to delivering long-term, positive change—helping the forgotten places of America to thrive while supporting the broader global transition to a more sustainable energy future.

Who We Are

Team Members

The Edelen Renewables Advisory Board was established in 2025 to bring together a distinguished group of leaders whose diverse expertise guides our mission of delivering transformative community-centered energy solutions. Their insight and strategic perspective help ensure that every project we pursue creates meaningful economic impact, strengthens local partnerships, and advances the long-term sustainability goals of the communities we serve. Through their stewardship, Edelen Renewables continues to grow with purpose, integrity, and a deep commitment to delivering on our promises.

Board of Advisors

Awards & Recognition

Edelen Renewables has made significant strides in amplifying our mission through strategic press coverage. Our renewable energy projects have captured the spotlight, showcasing not only the scale of our efforts, but also the positive impact we and our partners are making on communities and the environment. From major publications to industry-leading platforms, we’ve earned recognition for our innovation, project milestones, and leadership in the clean energy transition. This year, our press coverage has helped elevate our story, expand our reach, and engage new audiences in the movement toward a sustainable energy future. In this section of our annual report, we highlight the key press mentions that have helped spread the word about our work and the difference we’re making.

Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist | 2025

Adam Edelen was named a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year, a prestigious business award for original founders, multigenerational family business leaders and transformational CEO’s. Adam was recognized among 29 visionary finalists from across the East Central U.S.

Canopy Good Business Summit Top Environmental Impact Award | 2024

Edelen Renewables was honored to be named Canopy’s Kentucky Top Environmental Impact Company of 2024! This recognition highlights our commitment to innovation in renewable energy and creating a sustainable future for Kentucky’s communities.

Coming Soon to This Coal County: Solar, in a Big Way

READ ARTICLE

A new green aluminum plant could bring jobs — and clean energy — to Kentucky

READ ARTICLE

Powering the Future. Switching from Coal to Solar

READ ARTICLE

Edelen Renewables proposes 100,000 hours MWH of solar for former Lexington landfill

READ ARTICLE

$1 billion solar project planned on former Starfire coal mine in Eastern Kentucky READ HERE

In Focus: Adam Edelen discusses green energy revolution and its economic opportunities in Kentucky READ HERE Lexington Diocese, in heart of coal country, commits to net-zero emissions READ HERE

Catholic Diocese of Lexington announces sustainability commitment READ HERE

Brandon Presley joins Edelen Renewables, looks to advance community scale solar projects on farmland READ HERE

Edelen Renewables opens in Hazard READ HERE

What We Do

Social Impact Solar is not just a tagline—it is the core of who we are and what we do. Our focus is singular: to create lasting, positive change for the communities we serve. Central to our approach are community engagement, workforce development, the creation of good jobs, and providing credentialed skills training. These pillars form the foundation of every project we undertake, ensuring that the benefits of renewable energy are deeply integrated into the social and economic fabric of the regions we serve.

From Appalachia to Native Nations, Tribes, and Pueblos, we are bringing the promise of solar energy to the forgotten places—regions that have long powered America’s industrial growth through coal, oil, and gas. We are committed to helping these communities transition from traditional energy sectors to a diversified, greener economy by putting displaced energy workers back to work in renewable energy.

Our comprehensive “boots-on-the-ground” approach ensures that every aspect of a project is thoughtfully managed—from land acquisition and public engagement to navigating regulatory processes and securing corporate off take agreements via Virtual Power Purchase Agreements. We are committed to producing real, measurable results.

With a project pipeline that spans more than a dozen states, we are developing solar and battery storage projects totaling 3 GW of capacity, representing a potential private capital investment of over $3 billion. These efforts are not just transforming local economies, but also contributing to the national transition toward a more sustainable, resilient energy future.

Edelen Renewables Community Solar

We’re proud to share the launch of Farmers Powering Communities, our partnership with American Farmland Trust and Reactivate. At Edelen Renewables, we believe farmers, ranchers, and rural communities are at the heart of America’s clean energy future. This initiative is designed to deliver more than renewable power it’s about economic opportunity, generational farm viability, and ensuring agriculture and energy can grow side by side. Through Farmers Powering Communities, we’ll focus on community-scale solar projects of 25–50 acres, supported by custom data and mapping tools. These projects expand clean energy access for working families while advancing agrivoltaics to keep farmland in production.

LEARN MORE

Our Initiatives

Emerging Climate Leaders Program

Edelen Renewables, in partnership with Berea College, runs an annual paid summer internship program for Summer Development Associates (SDAs) focused on empowering the next generation of clean energy leaders. To date, three co-horts of Berea College students have completed the program.

Open to students from all academic disciplines, the 10-week immersive program is based in Edelen Renewables’ Lexington and/or Hazard, Kentucky offices. SDAs gain hands-on experience in utility-scale and community-scale solar development, applying their academic backgrounds and interests to real-world challenges in the renewable energy sector.

The program emphasizes professional growth through structured onboarding, coaching, mentorship, site visits to Central Appalachian solar projects, and direct involvement in development, policy, and community engagement efforts. Participants also receive guidance on translating their experience into future career opportunities, with networking support that extends beyond the summer.

Catholic Diocese of Lexington Net Zero Task Force

In 2025, the Catholic Diocese of Lexington entered the implementation phase of its bold Net-Zero Plan, an initiative grounded in the Diocese’s Laudato Sí Action Plan and aimed at achieving Net-Zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions across all operations by 2030. The effort reflects a deep commitment to environmental stewardship as an expression of faith, with every parish, school, and ministry participating in the transition. A major component of the plan includes installing solar power systems on viable diocesan properties beginning in 2026. Developed with guidance from sustainability partners—including Edelen Renewables, led by Founder and CEO Adam Edelen, who chairs the Diocese’s Net-Zero Task Force—the initiative places the Diocese at the forefront of faith-based climate leadership. The Diocese was invited to the Raising Hope Conference in Rome, convened by Pope Leo XIV, to share its vision and contribute to global dialogue on sustainable solutions. Together, these efforts highlight a model of local action rooted in global responsibility and a longterm commitment to protecting “our common home” for future generations.

A short video overview of the CDLEX Net-Zero Plan, featuring perspectives from Diocesan leaders and project partners, is available for media use and sharing. The full plan is available online by clicking here.

WATCH VIDEO

Community Involvement

Hazard Office

Edelen Renewables opened a satellite office in Hazard, KY in 2024. In 2025, we were excited to welcome Zack Hall to the Edelen Renewables team! As our Eastern Kentucky Field Director, Zack leads community engagement and clean energy development across the region. A lifelong Appalachian and passionate advocate for progress, he brings a strong background in education, community development, and nonprofit leadership.

We also hold active memberships in Hazard with the Perry County Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club.

Martin County Community Pavilion

In celebration of Inez as a community hub, Edelen Renewables donated funds to Martin County to construct a community pavilion. This gathering place has been used for the Christmas in the Mountains event and a variety of cultural celebrations. One such celebration included the Inez Harvest Festival event, where approximately 3,000 people gathered to celebrate mountain heritage and community.

Hazard Community Pavilion

Edelen Renewables partnered with civic leaders in Hazard, KY, to complete the new Renewables Pavilion, an outdoor main stage built on the historic site of the former Grand Hotel in downtown Hazard. The pavilion creates a dedicated gathering place for festivals, holiday events, concerts, sporting activities, and other community programs strengthening the cultural and social life of the region. Developed in collaboration with the City of Hazard and the Hazard Chamber of Commerce, the project represents a strategic charitable investment in Appalachian communities. The resulting 300-square-foot, state-of-theart venue stands as a visible example of Edelen Renewables’ commitment to supporting resilient, community-driven infrastructure across the region.

Berea College Emerging Climate Leaders

Convocation | 2024 & 2025

For the past two years, Edelen Renewables has partnered with Berea College to launch, improve, and expand the Emerging Climate Leaders Program. As part of the program, Edelen Renewables brings national thought leaders on renewable energy to campus to facilitate an annual convocation on sustainability. The yearly event engages students in dialogue and discourse around market-driven opportunities presented by green economy jobs and economic development.

Convocation speakers have included:

• Kiran Bhatraju, the Pikeville, KY-born Founder and CEO of Arcadia, which manages a national community solar program

• Jason Carter, Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Carter Center and Chair of the Edelen Renewables Advisory Board

• Michelle Moore, CEO of Groundswell, a 501(c)3 that builds community power by connecting solar and energy efficiency with economic development

• Senator Brandon Smith, Chair of the Kentucky Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy

• Brandon Presley, former President of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and current Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Edelen Renewables

• Adam Edelen, Founder and CEO of Edelen Renewables

Fayette Alliance Grow Smart Academy | 2024 & 2025

Edelen Renewables is proud to support the Fayette Alliance, a Kentucky based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing smart, sustainable, and equitable growth in Lexington-Fayette County through land-use advocacy, education, and research.

In 2024 and 2025, Edelen Renewables sponsored the Grow Smart Academy, a community education initiative that brings together local leaders and residents for informed dialogue and knowledge sharing on key policy and development issues. Edelen Renewables’ participation in the “Sustainability & Transportation” sessions focused on the opportunity to expand renewable energy generation while preserving prime farmland—a priority aligned with both Edelen Renewables’ values and Fayette County’s longstanding commitment to farmland conservation.

Education and Workforce Partnerships

Edelen Renewables’ workforce development efforts are rooted in a simple belief: the clean energy transition must create meaningful opportunities for local workers. Through partnerships with regional education and training organizations, we are helping build a skilled workforce prepared to participate in Appalachia’s emerging energy economy.

In support of the Martin County Solar Project, Edelen Renewables partnered with Big Sandy Community & Technical College and Coalfield Development to deliver targeted workforce training for residents across Eastern Kentucky and neighboring West Virginia. Together, these programs trained 52 local workers, including 44 Kentucky residents and 8 West Virginia residents, strengthening a regional labor pipeline aligned with long-term clean energy and civil construction jobs.

Big Sandy Community & Technical College trained 26 Kentucky residents, resulting in 26 OSHA-10 safety certifications, a foundational industry credential. Coalfield Development expanded training opportunities by providing multi-disciplinary instruction that enabled participants to earn stackable credentials in workplace safety, environmental remediation, heavy equipment simulation, digital literacy, and first aid preparedness.

Across both programs, 48 workers earned OSHA-10 certifications, just short of the initial goal of 50. However, the expanded partnership significantly exceeded expectations by increasing the total number and diversity of credentials earned. In total, participants achieved certifications including HAZWOPER-40, CAT equipment simulation, lead/ asbestos/mold mitigation, First Aid/CPR/AED, Northstar digital literacy, and Tek Center workforce training.

Notably, 13 workers earned 18 advanced industry credentials directly aligned with civil and infrastructure employment in the region. Even participants who did not complete the full program collectively earned additional certifications, expanding overall workforce impact to 57 regional participants gaining industry-recognized credentials, including:

• 51 OSHA-10 certifications

• 14 HAZWOPER-40 certifications

• 13 CAT simulation certifications

• 15 First Aid/CPR/AED certifications

These outcomes reflect Edelen Renewables’ Social Impact Solar mission—ensuring communities historically tied to legacy energy industries are equipped with the skills and credentials needed to lead in the clean energy economy.

Selected Projects

Edelen Renewables has originated and supported a number of renewable energy projects including:

Martin County Solar Project

The Martin County Solar Project represents a major coal-to-solar redevelopment effort originated by Edelen Renewables on a 2,541-acre site in Martin County, Kentucky, located on the former Martiki Coal Mine near the Kentucky–West Virginia border.

Phase 1 of the project delivers 200 MWAC of solar capacity transforming a legacy brownfield site into a long-term source of clean energy. Edelen Renewables served in a lead origination and developer services role, supporting permitting, local and state engagement, and the negotiation of an Industrial Revenue Bond.

The project was developed in partnership with Savion and advanced through a complex regulatory process that included hearings before the Kentucky Public Service Commission, coordination with the Kentucky Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement, and collaboration with the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority. Phase 1 achieved commercial operation in December 2024, marking a significant milestone in the region’s economic and energy diversification.

Groundswell Partnership

In 2025, Edelen Renewables formed a national partnership with Groundswell to develop solar arrays in local, predominantly rural communities across the United States. This collaboration leverages underutilized public assets to deliver clean, locally generated power while strengthening the financial and operational resilience of participating communities. By aligning project development with municipal priorities, the partnership expands access to renewable energy in a manner that is scalable, replicable, and grounded in public-sector stewardship. At the core of this initiative is a shared commitment to reducing electricity costs for low- and moderate-income households. Through community solar and targeted subscriber models, the projects are designed to provide direct bill savings to residents who are often excluded from the benefits of the clean-energy transition. This partnership reflects Edelen Renewables’ belief that decarbonization and affordability must advance together— and that well-structured public-private collaboration can deliver both.

Bright Mountain Solar Project

The Bright Mountain Solar Project is an 80 MWAC coal-to-solar redevelopment located in Perry County, Kentucky, advancing the productive reuse of legacy coal land into longterm clean energy infrastructure. Designed as a brownfield solar project, Bright Mountain preserves surrounding undeveloped land while contributing to Eastern Kentucky’s evolving energy economy and supporting regional sustainability goals.

Edelen Renewables serves as originator and provider of developer services, supporting permitting, local and state engagement, and the negotiation of an Industrial Revenue Bond. The project is being developed by Avangrid.

Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2026, with commercial operation targeted by the second quarter of 2027. Edelen Renewable’s is supporting local workforce and economic development efforts to set the stage for success of renewable energy development in the region.

Haley Pike Solar Project

The Haley Pike Solar Project represents a forward-looking exploration by Edelen Renewables to repurpose the decommissioned Haley Pike Landfill into a best-in-class brownfield solar development. Following the execution of a Letter of Intent in 2025 with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, Edelen Renewables began evaluating the feasibility of installing solar on approximately 400 acres of closed landfill located just over eleven miles from downtown Lexington, Kentucky.

The proposed project would preserve surrounding agricultural land while advancing the city’s long-term sustainability and emissions-reduction goals, leveraging proximity to existing transmission infrastructure to support a highly efficient design. If fully realized, the project is expected to generate approximately 100,000 megawatthours of clean energy annually, provide renewable energy certificates to corporate partners, and deliver meaningful financial benefits to the city through land lease payments and payments in lieu of taxes—without requiring local subsidies or increasing ratepayer costs.

Edelen Renewables anticipates advancing site control, permitting, and engineering as part of its continued commitment to transforming underutilized land into durable clean energy assets that benefit communities.

Starfire Solar Project

The Starfire Solar Project is a large-scale coal-to-solar redevelopment spanning Perry County, Knott County, and Breathitt County in Kentucky, representing one of the most ambitious brownfield clean energy initiatives in Eastern Kentucky. The project is being advanced in multiple phases, with Phases 1 and 2 totaling 400 MWAC, and Phases 3 and 4 proposed to bring total capacity to approximately 800 MWAC. By repurposing former coal assets, Starfire Solar is designed to deliver long-term economic and environmental benefits while preserving undeveloped land across the region.

Edelen Renewables serves as originator and provider of developer services for the project, supporting permitting, local and state engagement, and the negotiation of Industrial Revenue Bonds. Development is being undertaken by BrightNight.

Construction for the initial phases is anticipated to begin by June 30, 2026, with commercial operation targeted by the fourth quarter of 2030. When complete, the Starfire Solar Project will stand as a transformative example of how legacy energy landscapes can be redeveloped into durable, utility-scale clean energy assets that support regional economic transition, workforce development, and long-term energy independence.

Rivian, committed to promoting clean, equitable and electrified transportation, will purchase 100 MW of renewable power from Phase 1 through a power purchase agreement (PPA) with BrightNight, producing enough energy to power up to 450 million miles of renewable driving every year. The Nature Conservancy, a global environmental nonprofit, will also purchase up to 2.5 MW of these renewable energy credits to complement its onsite solar arrays and achieve clean power sustainability commitments.

Looking Ahead to 2026

In 2025, the Edelen Renewables Team stepped into an expanded role in solar development. In 2026, facing headwinds of shifting federal policy, our team remains committed. Regardless of how the policy and regulatory landscape may shift, we will build anyway. Because we know the power of the green energy revolution is beyond politics and beyond temporary shifts in the market. The diversification of how electrons are delivered to the grid represents the most significant opportunity for economic transition and climate action of our time. We will not miss the opportunity to use business as a force for good in our communities. We will deliver Social Impact SolarSM and hope you’ll continue to follow along with us in this journey.