US Utility Seeking Proposals For 300 MW Solar & Wind

• APCo has launched a new RFP to source up to 300 MW AC of solar and/or wind power
• Solar projects to be located in Virginia will be considered under the tender, and may or may not be accompanied by storage component
• Minimum project size needs to be 50 MW to be considered with a COD of mid-December 2023 while projects with an operational date of December 15, 2024 will be considered

Appalachian Power (APCo) has launched a 'first in a series' of request for proposals (RFP) it plans to issue in 2021, starting with seeking applications for up to 300 MW AC solar and/or wind power generation resources. It is also the utility's largest request yet in a single year for renewable energy bids, said its President and CEO Chris Beam.

Minimum project size of 50 MW will be accepted and all eligible projects should be commercially operational by mid-December 2023. Projects with an operational date of December 15, 2024 will still be considered. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) may or not form part of the projects submitted for consideration.

Part of American Electric Power (AEP), APCo will consider solar projects in Virginia under the tender whereas wind projects in Virginia will be preferred but not required. All projects need to be interconnected to the independent regional transmission organization PJM.

It may select a single project or multiple projects from winning bidders, with preference given to those that qualify for federal tax credits.

According to the RFP issued, last date for submission is March 31, 2021.  

APCo said this it has issued the RFP to comply with provisions of the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) under which it is mandated to meet annual targets to eventually achieve 100% carbon-free energy in its Virginia service territory by 2050.

Back in January 2020, APCo has once again invited proposals for a viable solar power project of up to 200 MW capacity with energy storage in Virginia after its 2018 RFP failed to get desired response (see 200 MW Solar Tender Re-Issued By US Utility).