News | July 09 2025
Original Release by Marlboro County Economic Development.
Bennettsville, S.C. — Birch Creek Energy, a world class leader in renewable energy, today announced it is planning to expand its operations to Marlboro County. The company is developing a 75MW solar energy facility (approximately a $154 million investment) to grow its operations in the Southeast.
About the Cloudless Solar Project
Cloudless Solar is a solar and battery storage project being developed by Birch Creek Energy. Once operational, the project will generate 74.9 MW ac, enough clean energy to power approximately 14,000 homes annually. The energy produced will be delivered to Duke Energy Progress, supporting the region’s power needs. Commercial operation of the project is targeted for 2029.
About Birch Creek Energy
Birch Creek Energy was founded in 2019 by a team of seasoned solar industry executives, established to seize the growing opportunity in utility-scale solar. Since its inception, the company has developed 51 utility-scale solar projects totaling 1,500 megawatts (MW) across the United States. Birch Creek’s senior management team brings decades of experience, having financed or developed solar projects in nearly every state nationwide. Today, the company is actively developing over 10 gigawatts (GW) of solar and energy storage projects.
Quotes
“Birch Creek 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. Over the life of our solar farm, we anticipate delivering approximately $12 million in tax revenue to the County — all without placing additional demand on local services such as roads, sewer, schools, or emergency services. We thank Marlboro County for its partnership and look forward to a strong, lasting relationship.”
- Birch Creek Energy Chief Operating Officer, Chris Norqual
“The announcement of Birch Creek’s solar farm in Marlboro County is the result of nearly a year of close collaboration with the County’s Economic Development Department. We’re proud and grateful to share the mutually beneficial agreement we’ve reached — one that reflects Birch Creek’s commitment to investing in Marlboro County and the County’s commitment to long-term economic growth. This project is a testament to what can be achieved through thoughtful partnership and we thank everyone who helped make it possible.”
- Birch Creek Energy Senior Project Development Manager, Ben Stockdale
“Available product, infrastructure and a talented workforce were key ingredients for this announcement. We would like to welcome Birch Creek Energy to the Marlboro County Community and we look forward to a long a prosperous working relationship.”
- Marlboro County Council Chairman, Anthony Woods
“Today’s announcement is proof that Marlboro County is open for business and has acres of opportunity which makes Marlboro County an ideal location for any industry looking to locate here! We would like to welcome Birch Creek Energy to our community and we look forward to working with them.”
- Marlboro County Economic Development-Executive Director, Tonny McNeil