Lightsource bp has announced it will build 191 MW AC solar PV capacity in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, power generated from which will be procured by electricity supplier Constellation to eventually supply to the Pennsylvania. It will be realized as 7 projects in 6 counties.
The 191 MW AC project is called Pennsylvania Project to Utilize Light and Solar Energy (PULSE). On completion, it will generate 361,000 MWh of clean energy annually to be supplied to 16 state agencies. This makes it the 'largest' solar commitment by any government in the US to date, according to Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf.
Power generated under this contract will cover 50% of annual electricity consumption in the state from locally sourced solar power. Under the state's Climate Change Executive Order signed by Wolf, Pennsylvania aims to lower its GHG emissions 26% by 2025, and 80% by 2050, compared with 2005 levels, while targeting a minimum of 40% electricity from in-state clean energy sources.
"This clean energy solution will enable the Commonwealth to unlock the economic and sustainability benefits of a large-scale, offsite renewable project while minimizing risk," said Jim McHugh, CEO, Constellation.
Lightsource bp is contracted to bring this capacity online on January 1,2023. Constellation will purchase energy and renewable energy certificates (REC) from the project and sell power and project specific RECs to the Commonwealth's retail accounts.
Lightsource bp is expanding in Pennsylvania state. In April 2020, it secured a long term power purchase agreement with Southern Pennsylvania Transportation for 43.8 MW solar that's scheduled to come online in 2021 (see Lightsource BP Secures Solar PPA In Pennsylvania). It already has a 70 MW solar capacity operational in the state selling power to Penn State University (see Penn State Boosts Its Sustainability Efforts).
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