Headwater Energy has successfully secured construction financing for its new 112.5 MW dc solar project in North Carolina, known as the Gum Swamp Solar Project. The deal, arranged by BridgePeak Energy Capital and partially funded by Pathward, will enable Headwater to move forward with one of the region’s significant solar developments. Once operational, the project is expected to generate enough electricity to meet the annual needs of around 17,000 households, contributing substantially to North Carolina’s clean energy landscape.

Accelerating Headwater’s Expansion

This financing milestone comes as Headwater seeks to strengthen its presence in the Southeast. The company already operates 177 MW dc of solar assets and has an ambitious 2.8 GW dc development pipeline. Michael Cohen, CEO of Headwater, highlighted that this deal represents a crucial step toward growing the company’s footprint as a long-term owner and operator of renewable energy infrastructure. The investment ensures that Headwater can continue scaling projects that combine reliability with sustainable energy production.

Partnerships That Drive Progress

BridgePeak Energy Capital and Pathward played critical roles in bringing this project to life. The loan was arranged under Pathward’s energy lending program, supported by a syndicate of lenders, while BridgePeak provided lender services. Christopher Soupal, Division President at Pathward, emphasized the alignment of mission and resources, noting that the partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions.

BridgePeak’s President, David Thigpen, pointed to the strategic importance of the project, highlighting its ability to produce low-cost electricity and support growing energy demands, including emerging technologies. With construction scheduled for completion within 18 months, the project illustrates the speed at which large-scale solar infrastructure can be realized when financial backing and expertise align.

Impact on the Region and Industry

The Gum Swamp Solar Project adds meaningful capacity to North Carolina’s clean energy portfolio. By powering thousands of homes with solar energy, it reduces reliance on fossil fuels while supporting the state’s transition toward a more sustainable power grid. Beyond its immediate environmental benefits, the project demonstrates how investment in large-scale solar development can contribute to broader economic and energy goals in the region.

Looking Ahead

This project forms part of BridgePeak’s broader initiative to finance over $2 billion in energy projects in 2025, reflecting strong investor confidence in the renewable energy sector. For Headwater, this financing enables the company to transform its development pipeline into operational projects that generate tangible results.

What this really signals is a shift in the Southeast’s energy landscape. With experienced developers, financial partners, and a clear focus on sustainability, projects like Gum Swamp show that large-scale solar can be implemented efficiently and have a measurable impact on communities. Headwater, BridgePeak, and Pathward are positioning themselves at the forefront of this movement, turning ambitious clean energy plans into real-world power for thousands of households.