Duke Energy begins on 250MW solar project in Texas

• Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions has actually announced that construction has begun on its 250MW Pisgah Ridge solar project in Navarro County, Texas.

Engineering and construction are being performed by Moss, while Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions will have and run the park, which is expected to reach business operation by the end of 2022.

A 15-year online power purchase agreement (VPPA) for 102MW of the plant has been authorized with pharmaceutical firm Charles River Laboratories International, as it aims to resource 100% sustainable power worldwide by 2030. A further 2 companies have signed different 15-year VPPAs for the continuing to be 148MW of capability.

Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions was introduced earlier this year as a new business brand name that merges services and products used by several subsidiaries of utility Duke Energy, including Duke Energy Renewables, REC Solar and Duke Energy One. In Texas, it currently operates 500MW of solar as well as a 36MW battery storage facility.

"We're delighted to continue to expand our Texas solar portfolio, which will give extra energy sources for the residents of Texas to assist fulfill their expanding demand and require for a much more diverse energy infrastructure," stated Chris Fallon, president of Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions.

Last year saw Duke Energy Renewables begin operations at its 100MW Lapetus solar plant, 280MWdc/200MWdc Holstein solar farm and its 200MWac Rambler solar project in Texas.

As part of efforts to come to be net zero by 2050, Duke Energy is intending to reach 16GW of installed renewables capability by 2025.