Duke Energy Operationalises 250 MW Solar Project in Texas

USA-based Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions (DESS) has operationalised its largest solar power plant ever – the 250 MW Pisgah Ridge Solar project in Navarro County, Texas.

Charles River Laboratories International has signed a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) for 102 MW of the project over the next 15 years.

This commitment will address the entirety of the company’s North American electric power load with clean, renewable energy by 2023.

Chris Fallon, President of Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions, said, “This project demonstrates how we can continue to expand our renewable energy resources while providing unique sustainability solutions for commercial customers.”

Gregg Belardo from Charles River said, “Charles River has committed to sourcing 100% of our global electricity needs through renewable sources by 2030. Our VPPA with DESS provides coverage for our North American facilities and moves us significantly closer to that global goal. We are proud to partner with Duke Energy and are excited that Pisgah Ridge is now online.”

Midwest retailer Meijer has also signed a separate 15-year VPPA for 83 MW of solar energy from Pisgah Ridge Solar project. One other company has a third 15-year VPPA agreement.

Duke Energy said that together the three agreements account for more than 90% of the solar project’s output.

Erik Petrovskis, Director at Meijer held, “We’ve made significant progress over the years, but this project with Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions puts us on the right path to making an even bigger impact.”

The engineering and construction for the Pisgah Ridge Solar project was performed by Moss, while Duke Energy will own and operate the project.

Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions

Duke Energy presently provides wind, solar, resilient backup power and managed energy services to over 1,000 projects across the USA. Currently, it operates nearly 1,500 MW of wind, 750 MW of solar and a 36-MW battery storage facility in Texas.

The Pisgah Ridge Solar facility is expected to have a positive economic impact on the local community in multiple ways.