Lightsource bp, AEP Energy Sign PPA for 188 MW Solar Farm in Indiana

Solar energy conglomerate Lightsource bp and AEP Energy Partners (AEPEP), a subsidiary of American Electric Power have signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for a 188 MWdc solar project called Honeysuckle Solar located in New Carlisle, Indiana, USA. AEP Energy Partners is also one of the largest wholesale energy suppliers in the country.

Lightsource bp said that once complete, the Honeysuckle Solar project will generate enough clean energy annually to power 27,000 US households. The solar energy generated from the project will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 204,000 metric tons annually.

Greg Hall, Executive VP & CCO, AEP, said, “AEP Energy Partners is proud to provide customers with integrated, carbon-free energy that fulfills their sustainability goals, delivers long-term price stability, and benefits the environment. Our partnership with Lightsource bp demonstrates our commitment to the development of new renewable resources that both empower local communities and support a cleaner, brighter energy future.”

Lightsource bp will finance, build, own and operate the facility and sell the solar energy it generates to AEP Energy Partners under a long-term PPA. Construction of the project has been initiated on site, with commercial operation starting in 2024.

“This PPA is a great example of how energy buyers with sustainability goals such as AEP Energy Partners can work with us to spur the buildout of new solar projects that will improve the health and energy security of communities across America while helping strengthen local economies. As the owner and operator of the Honeysuckle solar farm, we look forward to bringing economic and environmental benefits to the region, along with fostering community partnerships,” said Kevin Smith, CEO of the Americas, Lightsource bp.

Lightsource bp said that Honeysuckle solar farm will support domestic manufacturers and low carbon products, with ultra-low carbon solar panels from First Solar, smart solar trackers from Array Technologies and steel from Nucor. The project will also help bring $250 million of new, privately funded renewable energy infrastructure to Indiana.

It also says that the primary purpose of solar is to reduce carbon emissions from electricity generation in order to mitigate climate change.