AECC Signs PPA to Buy 100 MW of Solar Power from RES

The 100MW project, consisting of over 362,000 solar panels, will create as many as 175 jobs during the peak of construction, with up to three permanent jobs once construction is completed.

In a significant development, Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) has signed a power purchase agreement with Renewable Energy Systems Americas (RES) to supply 100 MW of clean power from an 800 acre solar farm near Crossett in 2021.

The 100MW project, consisting of over 362,000 solar panels, will create as many as 175 jobs during the peak of construction, with up to three permanent jobs once construction is completed.

Located in Ashley County, Arkansas, the construction of Crossett Solar is expected to begin in early 2021.

“The addition of the 100MW of solar capacity produced by the Crossett Solar Energy Farm will provide AECC with additional reasonably priced power that is ultimately delivered to the more than 1.2 million electric cooperative members in Arkansas,” AECC president/CEO Duane Highley said.

“AECC’s generation fuel portfolio now includes more than 17% of hydropower, solar, wind and biomass generation which supplements our traditional generation facilities.”

RES, renewable energy development and construction company, developed Crossett Solar and will construct the project. The project will provide the benefits of both energy diversity and job creation to the state of Arkansas.

RES CEO, Americas Graham Reid said: “We’re excited to work with Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation again, and we are pleased to help AECC bring solar energy to the cooperative members.

“We look forward to bringing economic benefits and jobs to the state of Arkansas and to a community that has supported us throughout the project development cycle.”