Energy Solutions Partnership with AEDG

Image source: AEDG

Former Tesla Project Manager Kevin Ademu-John joins the team to advance the expansion

Salamanca, NY – February 2, 2023 – Seneca Solar, the energy solutions division of Seneca Holdings, LLC, which is wholly owned by the Seneca Nation, is expanding its strategic partnership with Alternative Energy Development Group (AEDG), a developer of commercial and industrial clean energy projects.

AEDG was the first partner to join Seneca Solar’s Certified Partnership Program. Together, Seneca Solar and AEDG have been working to advance renewable energy developed and controlled by Native communities. The partnership is dedicated to reversing the extractive model of energy development on Native lands so that these communities can gain energy sovereignty through participation in the clean-energy economy.

In partnering with a Tribally owned developer of renewable energy projects, AEDG is centering its work on climate justice. The expanded partnership will fuel AEDG’s growth while building the capabilities of Seneca Solar.

As part of the expansion, Seneca Solar is partnering with AEDG to provide project management expertise, which leverages the capabilities of the $300M business of Seneca Holdings. Kevin Ademu-John will join Seneca Solar to integrate the program management expertise of Seneca Solar with AEDG’s growing portfolio. Mr. Ademu-John most recently worked at Tesla, where he managed large portfolios of residential solar projects as well as motor and Powerwall projects.

“Our collaboration with Seneca Solar enables us to support customers in the achievement of their ESG goals while also helping underserved communities around the world gain economic self-determination,” said Chris Fraga, Founder and CEO of Alternative Energy Development Group. “We are pleased to grow our partnership with this portfolio of new renewable energy and efficiency projects.”

Seneca Solar and AEDG have collaborated since early 2022. Previous projects include conducting an extensive feasibility assessment for a Fortune 100 global company on a 10 megawatt (MW) solar project in Papua New Guinea. The project would be built, owned, and operated by local Indigenous communities.

“AEDG has been an ideal partner for Seneca Solar as we work to support Native and other underserved communities with Earth-healing solutions,” said Jeffrey Ellis, CEO of Seneca Holdings. “Together, we are showing the mutual benefit of a more traditional company collaborating with a Tribally owned company. These new projects will enable both companies to expand our reach and impact beyond what either could do alone.”

Working closely with AEDG, Ademu-John will help manage five portfolios of distributed generation projects across multiple U.S. states. With a total CapEx of $135 million, the over 55 MW of projects are projected to offset 21,610 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

The largest of the portfolios comprises 32 MW in five solar projects in the Northeast. The projects will serve municipalities, low-to-moderate-income (LMI) households, and commercial offtakers.
In California, two solar projects totaling 4.9 MW will serve industrial customers.
Two solar projects totaling 1 MW will serve retail customers in the Mid-Atlantic region.
A 14 MW portfolio of three solar projects will serve a major U.S. retail customer’s headquarters and distribution centers in the Mid-Atlantic and the Southwest.
An energy-efficiency project for an agricultural customer in New England will generate energy and thermal heat, providing redundant prime power and backup power. The 4 MW project is projected to reduce the customer’s electricity costs by 20% while increasing their energy efficiency.

“I look forward to leveraging the experience I gained at Tesla to help AEDG and Seneca Solar expand their offerings,” said Ademu-John. “The partnership is combining the strong capabilities of both companies with a focus on energy equity to serve communities who have been left out of the clean-energy transition for too long.”

In addition to helping Native communities develop and benefit from renewable energy projects, Seneca Solar and AEDG are helping companies of all sizes amplify the impacts of their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) programs.

About Seneca Solar

Seneca Solar, a division of Seneca Holdings, LLC, was established to profitably and equitably deliver innovative climate solutions that heal the Earth and is committed to working with partners and customers to “do the most good.” Wholly owned by the Seneca Nation, Seneca Solar is a Tribally owned business whose profits go directly toward supporting the on-territory needs of the members of the Seneca Nation. Seneca Solar was established to deliver projects at scale for customers wanting their climate dollars to support historically underserved communities. By accelerating the transition to renewable energy through authentic relationships based on shared values, Seneca Solar is building a Tribal workforce and Indigenous enterprise capacity to benefit current and future generations. Visit us at senecasolar.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

About Alternative Energy Development Group

Alternative Energy Development Group (AEDG) helps commercial and industrial clients reduce energy demand, reduce energy supply costs, and become more sustainable and resilient. AEDG develops, finances, owns, and operates commercial and industrial clean energy projects, serves as a trusted Energy Advisor, and serves as Fund Manager and General Partner for the Alternative Energy Infrastructure Projects Fund I LP. AEDG solves customers’ energy challenges by utilizing the most advanced clean energy technologies and services, configured to achieve meaningful financial, sustainability, and resiliency benefits. Visit us at www.aedgonline.com.

PR Contact:

Rosana Francescato
Seneca Solar
415-282-2488
rfrancescato@senecasolar.com