Doral Expands Indiana Solar Farm, One of World's Largest

Renewable energy company Doral announced it has received building permits for the second phase of its large solar farm in Indiana, USA. The permits are for projects totaling 1,100 megawatts. Upon completion, expected in 2029, the entire solar field will have a capacity of approximately 2,700 megawatts, making it one of the largest in the world. An additional section of about 216 kilowatts is also planned.

The solar farm will cover roughly 80,000 acres, an area comparable to Tel Aviv, Holon, and Bat Yam combined. It will operate as an agro-solar facility, integrating agriculture with electricity generation. Landowners will continue to cultivate crops like corn, wheat, and vegetables between the solar panels, while livestock will graze in other areas, helping to control weeds and ensure optimal sun exposure for the panels. Landowners receive fixed payments from Doral for land use, while Doral profits from selling the generated electricity.

Unlike many solar projects, the first phase will not include energy storage facilities. The electricity will be directly fed into the PJM transmission grid in the US. Doral has not yet signed contracts for direct sales to large customers, such as AI data centers. The company's CEO, Yoni Chenetz, stated that Doral secured eligibility for federal tax benefits due to early developmental processes, which reduce construction costs. He also noted that the reliance on tax benefits will diminish as US electricity prices rise, making solar production increasingly efficient and economical.

Doral is also exploring the establishment of data centers within the solar facility, creating a platform independent of the grid and fluctuating energy tariffs, driven by the growing demand for energy to train and operate AI models. In the first half of 2026, Doral reported increased revenues and reduced losses, partly due to the consolidation of its Polish solar project subsidiary, Zephyrus, and higher income from electricity supply contracts. Two months prior, Doral increased its stake in its US subsidiary, Doral LLC, from 26% to 53% for $738 million, enhancing its liquidity and positioning it to capitalize on the rising US energy demand.