Monolith Materials proposes $1B expansion of Olive Creek power facility in Nebraska

Monolith Materials has proposed a $1 billion expansion of its Olive Creek facility (OC2) near Hallam, Neb., a project that is expected to generate 2 million megawatt-hours of renewable wind and solar energy each year.

The project was announced this week by officials from Monolith Materials, along with representatives from the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) and the Norris Public Power District. Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts was also on hand.

NPPD will solicit bids for the project through a request for proposals (RFP) for new wind or solar generation, including energy storage, through a Power Purchase Agreement, NPPD President and CEO Tom Kent said. The RFP will be issued in March.

“The approximately two million megawatt-hours of generation would create a sufficient number of renewable energy certificates (RECs) to meet 100 percent of Monolith’s average annual energy usage and meet their environmental and sustainability goals,” Kent added. “While we are adding additional generation resources, NPPD will continue to maintain our highly competitive rates, which was one of the reasons Monolith moved its operations to Nebraska.”

Kent noted that to reach that generation figure, the renewable resource projects could be comprised of wind, solar, or a mix of the two.

Power to the facility will be delivered by Norris Public Power District in Beatrice, Neb. Norris Public Power District is a wholesale customer of NPPD.

“The relationship between NPPD and Norris enables Norris customers, like Monolith, to realize the benefits of public power, including competitive rates, reliable and resilient service, and excellent customer service,” Norris General Manager and CEO Bruce Vitosh said. “Norris is willing to accommodate our customers to help them fulfill their power supply needs as the electric industry evolves. Norris is pleased that Monolith will achieve their environmental and sustainability goals.”

With this expansion, Monolith plans a mix of solar and wind generation along with battery energy storage.

“Renewable electricity is the primary input to our proprietary process,” Rob Hanson, co-founder and CEO of Monolith, said. “While affordability and reliability are key business considerations, the sustainability of our power supply is also a critical factor for Monolith. We use this renewable electricity to sustainably make essential products for the automotive and agriculture sectors. This means hundreds of good-paying advanced manufacturing jobs right here in Nebraska – jobs you can build a family around.”

NPPD is expecting to enter into power purchase agreements by Sept. 1 of this year. Commercial operations are expected to begin by Dec. 31, 2025.

“This agreement paves the way for significant investment in the state. It sends a clear message that Nebraska remains open for business for companies looking to expand in a state with affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy resources, including renewable opportunities,” Ricketts said.