Clayco Powers Up: Construction Giant Enters the Renewable Energy Race

CHICAGO, IL – March 04, 2026 – Responding to an unprecedented surge in America's demand for electricity, construction heavyweight Clayco today announced a significant strategic pivot with the launch of Power and Energy, a new business unit dedicated to building the nation’s renewable energy infrastructure. The move positions the $7.6 billion firm to capitalize on the booming market for utility-scale solar and battery storage, leveraging its extensive construction and design-build expertise to tackle one of the country's most pressing challenges.

The launch comes as the United States grapples with electricity demand projections set to climb by as much as 15% to 20% by 2030. This voracious appetite for power is fueled by the explosive growth of data centers, a renaissance in domestic manufacturing, and the steady electrification of transportation. With renewable sources accounting for an estimated 85% of all new U.S. electric generating capacity in 2025, Clayco is betting it can become a key player in building the infrastructure required to support this transition.

"Clayco is committed to supporting the country's evolving modern infrastructure needs, and utility-scale power like solar and battery storage are central to America's economic and industrial future," said Anthony Johnson, CEO of Clayco, in a statement. "We are bringing Clayco's hallmark speed, cost-efficiency, and technical execution to the energy sector at a moment when the nation needs increased delivery and capacity at an unprecedented scale."

A Pivotal Moment for the American Grid

Clayco's entry into the energy sector is timed to a critical inflection point. The grid, once a predictable network, is now being reshaped by new demands and new technologies. The proliferation of AI-driven data centers, which require massive and constant power, has sent energy consumption forecasts soaring. Deloitte estimates that U.S. data center power demand alone could surge from 33 gigawatts in 2024 to 176 gigawatts by 2035, a more than fivefold increase.

This demand is being met largely by solar and battery storage. According to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), photovoltaic systems have recently accounted for over 70% of new energy capacity additions in the U.S. This shift creates a massive opportunity for firms capable of executing large, complex engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts for these renewable projects. Clayco's new unit aims to provide these comprehensive services, from initial design and engineering through final commissioning.

However, the path is fraught with challenges. The industry faces intense competition, volatile supply chains for critical minerals like lithium and polysilicon, and a persistent shortage of skilled labor. New entrants must navigate a landscape dominated by established giants while managing the risks of global trade policies and logistical bottlenecks that can delay projects and inflate costs.

The Clayco Blueprint: An Integrated Approach

Clayco is banking on its 'integrated delivery model' as its key differentiator. By bringing design, engineering, procurement, and construction under a single roof, the company argues it can minimize risk, shorten timelines, and deliver greater value to clients such as utilities and independent power producers.

This model is not new for the firm. Its 'Clayco Compute' division has become a major force in building energy-intensive data centers, with 57 active projects and over $3.6 billion in mission-critical revenue in 2024. That experience in managing complex power and cooling infrastructure for some of the world's most demanding technology clients provides a strong foundation for its new energy venture. The company has also shown a broader interest in advanced power solutions, having joined consortia to explore next-generation nuclear power for data center campuses.

Leading the new venture is Ryan Johnson, a seasoned executive in the renewable energy space, who takes the role of Vice President for Clayco Power and Energy. With over 13 years of experience, including a tenure as President of Signal Energy—a leading EPC contractor in the sector—and leadership roles at Mortenson and Ames Construction, Johnson brings a deep understanding of the market.

"Our fully integrated delivery model – which brings design, engineering, procurement, and construction under one roof – minimizes risk, accelerates schedules, and maximizes value for clients," Ryan Johnson stated. He emphasized the model's benefits for a wide range of customers, from utilities to the financial sponsors backing the energy transition.

Hitting the Ground Running in Illinois

Clayco's ambitions are not just on paper. The company confirmed it is already in the design phase for a solar and battery storage project in its home state of Illinois, with on-site mobilization scheduled for later in 2026. While specific details of the project remain under wraps, its development coincides with a major legislative push within the state.

Illinois recently enacted the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA), which mandates the installation of 3 gigawatts of grid-scale energy storage by 2030. The Illinois Power Agency is set to begin competitive procurement for these projects this year, creating a fertile market for developers and builders. The state already has 142 planned battery projects in the pipeline, representing a potential capacity of over 36,000 megawatts.

Clayco is entering a dynamic but crowded field. Other developers, like Vistra Energy and OMERS Infrastructure, are also advancing large-scale solar and storage projects in Illinois, aiming to bring them online by late 2026. By establishing an early foothold in this progressive market, Clayco aims to prove its model and build momentum. The new Power and Energy unit projects it will generate $300 million in revenue and employ nearly 1,000 craft professionals by 2027, a testament to the scale of its ambition. As Clayco prepares to break ground, its strategic move from building skylines to building power grids marks a telling new chapter in America's energy story.