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Lightsource bp Cancels Controversial Ohio Solar Project
Lightsource BP has officially abandoned its plans for a 300-MW solar project in Ohio, following opposition from local residents and a rejection by the Ohio Power Siting Board. The developer, a subsidiary of BP Plc, announced it would withdraw its appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court and cease further development of the Birch Solar project.The project was expected to generate $2.7 million annually for local schools and governments and meet the energy needs of 55,000 homes while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 423,700 tonnes. Financing for the project was set to come from private capital, but local resistance ultimately led to its cancellation.
What factors led to the cancellation of Lightsource BP's Birch Solar project in Ohio?
The cancellation of Lightsource BP's Birch Solar project in Ohio was influenced by several key factors:
Local Opposition: A significant portion of the community voiced strong concerns regarding the project, expressing fears related to its environmental impact, land use, and potential changes in the rural landscape.
Rejection by Ohio Power Siting Board: The Ohio Power Siting Board, responsible for approving major energy projects, denied Lightsource BP's application. This rejection was pivotal in the halting of the project.
Legal Complications: After the initial denial by the siting board, Lightsource BP's decision to appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court indicated an attempt to pursue legal avenues. However, the withdrawal of this appeal showed a recognition of the uphill battle they faced.
Economic Concerns: Some residents were worried about the potential economic impact, questioning whether the projected financial benefits for schools and local governments would materialize or if they would instead detract from existing community values and property.
Zoning and Land Use Issues: The proposed site for the solar project may have faced challenges related to local zoning laws and regulations, which can restrict the type of development allowed in certain areas.
Community Engagement: A perceived lack of adequate community engagement from Lightsource BP may have fostered distrust among residents. Effective communication and partnerships are critical in gaining local support for large infrastructure projects.
Shifts in Political Support: Changes in local political dynamics, including possible shifts in support for renewable energy initiatives, could have contributed to the opposition to the project.
Impact on Local Wildlife and Ecosystems: Concerns regarding how the solar installation might affect local wildlife habitats and ecosystems could have heightened opposition among environmental groups and residents alike.
Long-Term Viability of Solar Projects in Ohio: The broader context of solar energy policies and market conditions in Ohio may have created skepticism among residents about the long-term benefits and sustainability of such energy projects.
Social Media and Advocacy Group Influence: There's been an increase in activism through social media, where local advocacy groups organized campaigns against the project, further amplifying resident concerns.
These factors combined to create a challenging environment for Lightsource BP, ultimately leading to the decision to abandon the Birch Solar project in Ohio.
Jan 15, 2025 // Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, Lightsource BP, PV Power Plant
Lightsource BP picks up Australian solar PPA
Lightsource BP's Australian Snowy Hydro solar farm will supply renewable resource to 88 of BP's filling station across New South Wales under a brand-new PPA.
The PPA will certainly allow the building of the 107MWp solar farm in West Wyalong, New South Wales.
Snowy Hydro will certainly acquire power created from the solar farm with a 15-year contract PPA.
Under this plan Snowy Hydro will subsequently supply renewable energy with Red Energy to BP for ten years to meet the power requirements of all its service stations throughout the state of New South Wales.
This is expected to 18,400 statistics tonnes of carbon emissions annually, the matching of eliminating 6,100 fuel-burning automobiles from the roadway.
Snowy Hydro has, operates and also keeps the Snowy Plan as well as is the fourth largest energy merchant in the Australian National Electricity Market offered the solid growth of its seller Red Energy in New South Wales over the last few years.
New South Wales homeowners can anticipate the 88 BP service stations to be powered by 100% renewables from January 2023.
Lightsource BP has protected a contract with an EPC firm and also is now working to bring the project portfolio to economic close.
BP's head of state for Australia Frédéric Baudry claimed: "Powering these BP sites using renewable energy is a demo of our strategy at work and is another action towards our aspiration to be a net absolutely no business by 2050 or quicker and to help the world to get to web absolutely no."
Lightsource BP Australia country manager Adam Pegg included: "Having the ability to facilitate powering BP's gas station in New South Wales with renewable electricity from our West Wyalong solar farm is an accomplishment which demonstrates our dedication to offer sustainable and also budget friendly energy to our communities.
" We are delighted to be able to utilize our existing connection with Snowy Hydro on our project in Wellington, to provide a remedy that will certainly add to BP's internet no aspirations."
Mar 10, 2021 // Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, Markets & Finance News, PPA, Australia, Lightsource BP, Adam Pegg, Oceania, Frédéric Baudry
Lightsource BP awards 515MW solar EPC agreement
Lightsource BP has authorized a contract with GRS for the design, building as well as commissioning of two solar farms in Australia completing 515MW.
GRS, which is a Gransolar owned firm will certainly be responsible for the layout, construction, commissioning and succeeding procedure and also maintenance tasks of 90MW Wunghnu project and the 425MW Wellington North plant,, in addition to its sis firms ISE and also PV Hardware (PVH).
Wellington North will certainly include 755,552 photovoltaic or pv modules, topped a location of 847 hectares, as well as will certainly create clean energy equivalent to the intake of greater than 152,500 families.
Wunghnu will be located in Victoria's Goulburn Valley as well as will certainly consist of 160,048 modules on 222 hectares, enough to power 27,152 residences.
Both projects are anticipated to be completed in about two years.
They will certainly represent Gransolar Group's working viewpoint as an integrated solar platform, as ISE will certainly be in charge of the style as well as design and PVH will mount its advanced solar trackers, GRS stated.
Lightsource BP Australia and New Zealand managing supervisor Adam Pegg said: "We are pleased to be partnering with Gransolar as we grow our solar generation portfolio in Australia, advancing our strategies to provide trustworthy, sustainable and also cost effective power for our clients as well as communities.
" Gransolar was chosen by Lightsource BP as it has a proven track record of efficiently developing and operating large utility-scale projects in Australia and around the globe."
Gransolar Group Australia handling director Carlos López claimed: "We have everything in our favour to really feel very comfy planning and also building utility-scale PV plants below: favorable public policies, weather problems as well as, most importantly, outstanding partners such as Lighsource bp who assist us to grow each day."
Sep 22, 2022 // Markets & Finance News, Australia, Lightsource BP, Oceania, Solar Farms
HASI Invests in Lightsource bp's Texas Solar Projects
Lightsource BP, a subsidiary of BP Plc, has secured equity funding from HASI for a 288-MW solar project portfolio in Texas. This investment supports two utility-scale solar farms: the 163-MW Starr Solar in Starr County and the 125-MW Second Division in Brazoria County, which together can power over 50,000 homes annually.Both projects are backed by long-term power purchase agreements with corporate buyers, including H&M Group, and are scheduled to commence operations by the end of 2024. They will utilize PV panels from First Solar and trackers from Array Technologies, contributing to Lightsource BP’s existing 576-MW fleet in Texas while also qualifying for benefits under the Inflation Reduction Act.
What are the key details of Lightsource BP's new solar project funding in Texas?
Here are key details related to Lightsource BP's new solar project funding in Texas:
Project Scale: The new portfolio includes a total capacity of 288 megawatts (MW), combining two separate solar farms: the 163-MW Starr Solar and the 125-MW Second Division.
Location: Starr Solar will be located in Starr County, while Second Division will be situated in Brazoria County, Texas, both strategically chosen for their optimal solar resource potential.
Home Powering Capacity: The combined capacity of the two solar farms is estimated to provide renewable energy to over 50,000 homes each year, promoting sustainability within the local communities.
Funding Source: The equity funding for this project is provided by Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure (HASI), a firm known for financing sustainable infrastructure projects.
Long-Term Agreements: Both solar projects are underpinned by long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with corporate entities like H&M Group, ensuring financial stability and predictable revenue streams for Lightsource BP.
Operational Timeline: The projects are scheduled to begin operations by the end of 2024, positioning Lightsource BP to contribute significantly to renewable energy generation in the near term.
Technological Components: To optimize efficiency, the solar farms will utilize photovoltaic (PV) panels manufactured by First Solar, a recognized leader in solar technology, and tracking systems from Array Technologies, enhancing their energy output.
Renewable Energy Portfolio: This project will add to Lightsource BP's existing renewable energy portfolio in Texas, which currently includes a total of 576 MW of operational capacity, reinforcing the company's commitment to expanding its footprint in the U.S. renewable sector.
Tax Incentives: Both projects are expected to leverage benefits from the Inflation Reduction Act, designed to stimulate investment in renewable energy by providing tax credits and incentives for clean energy projects.
Sustainability Goals: The portfolio aligns with broader sustainability goals set by Lightsource BP and its parent company, BP Plc, which are focused on accelerating the transition to renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions globally.
Community Impact: The projects are likely to have positive economic impacts, including job creation during construction and ongoing maintenance, and are expected to enhance local infrastructure and energy independence.
This new investment by Lightsource BP marks a significant step forward in Texas's renewable energy landscape, demonstrating the continued growth and importance of solar power in the state's energy mix.
Nov 1, 2024 // Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, USA, Texas, Lightsource BP, North America, solar projects
Lightsource bp Secures Approval to Build 1.6 GW Solar Project in Spain
renewable resource conglomerate Lightsource BP-- a joint venture between Lightsource as well as British Petroleum-- has held that its route for the development
Mar 2, 2023 // Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, Spain, Solar Energy, Lightsource BP, Europe, Solar Power, solar projects, solar energy projects, Fernando Roger, British Petroleum, environmental approval for bp, EUR 1.2 billion
Lightsource BP continue with United States solar press with Arkansas selection
systems, has actually become part of a 20-year power acquisition contract with Lightsource BP, obtaining its generation to aid decarbonise its procedures.
Lightsource
Apr 14, 2020 // Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, Markets & Finance News, USA, UTILITY-SCALE SOLAR, PPA, solar pv, Lightsource BP, finance, North America, lsdigital, Arkansas, United States
Lightsource BP offers 275MWdc of solar to Statkraft Ireland
also Cork. They all have full preparation authorization and grid links, which Lightsource BP claimed would allow Statkraft to protect a path to market, financing and also
Sep 10, 2020 // Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, Markets & Finance News, UK, Lightsource BP, Europe, Statkraft
Lightsource bp Gets 845 MW Solar Portfolio in Spain
Lightsource BP, a worldwide leader in the development as well as administration of solar energy projects, has revealed the acquisition of an 845 megawatt (MW) solar portfolio in Spain from Iberia Solar, a regional solar designer as well as part of the Asterion Energies platform, a portfolio company of Asterion Industrial Partners.
Lightsource BP and also Iberia Solar will work in collaboration to bring the project pipeline, which includes five sites across the regions of Castilla la Mancha as well as Castilla y León, to "ready-to-build" standing. Lightsource BP will after that lead the projects to economic close and begin building and construction in 2022.
The signing of this partnership brings Lightsource BP's complete procurements for Q1 2021 to over a huge 1.9 GW, with the for the company just starting. The announcement adheres to the procurement of a 1.06 GW portfolio from RIC Energy and also the recent honor at a 12-year Contract for Distinction (CfD) public auction in Spain, both revealed in January.
Kareen Boutonnat, Chief Executive Officer of Europe and also International at Lightsource BP claimed "this bargain brings our complete purchases to virtually 2 GW in 2021 alone. This is a clear demo that we came below to remain, as well as we remain in a superior placement to consolidate our footing in Spain even additionally this year. Our Madrid-based group is presently Lightsource BP's fastest-growing mainland European operation, and also we're actively recruiting to build out our existence. We expect collaborating with Iberia Solar as our collaboration allows us to continue to expand on our passion of supplying budget-friendly and sustainable solar power for services and neighborhoods in Spain."
The current statement shows Lightsource BP's ability as a co-development companion, leveraging its knowledge in creating, financing, having as well as building solar possessions, in addition to the team's capability to work with various companions under several frameworks. It also marks a considerable milestone in the company's commitment to playing a leading role in the power market in Spain. The group currently has an overall of 2.25 GW of projects in development or under construction in Spain, offering of a geographically balanced portfolio in among its essential development markets.
Erik Martel and also Ignacio Martínez, owners of Iberia Solar, better included that "this brand-new collaboration with Lightsource BP represents a transformational purchase for Iberia Solar and our pipe of solar projects in Spain, attained with the support of Asterion as well as their idea in our business version. Having nurtured these five certain projects of 845 MW from conception to being given admission right into the final allowing procedure is a testament to the success of such strategy and we look forward to supplying them at ready-to-build in no time."
Feb 16, 2021 // Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, Markets & Finance News, Spain, Lightsource BP, Europe, International, Kareen Boutonnat, Iberia Solar, Erik Martel, Ignacio Martínez
Lightsource bp, Kajoni Partner on 500-MWp Solar Projects
Lightsource BP has entered into a partnership with Kajoni Energie GmbH to develop a 500-MWp pipeline of utility-scale solar projects in Germany. Announced on Tuesday, the collaboration aims to roll out these projects over the next two to three years. Kajoni will identify suitable sites of at least 20 hectares and a minimum capacity of 20 MW, securing all necessary project rights to achieve a shovel-ready state. Lightsource BP will then take full ownership once construction begins.Stephan Jeznita, Head of Business Development Germany at Lightsource BP, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, particularly in Lower Saxony, a region with high solar potential. This move aligns with Lightsource BP's goal to connect approximately 500 MWp of solar projects to the German grid annually, following their market entry last year.
How Will Lightsource BP and Kajoni Energie's Partnership Impact Germany's Solar Energy Landscape?
Increased Capacity for Solar Energy: The collaboration between Lightsource BP and Kajoni Energie aims to develop a substantial 500-megawatt pipeline of utility-scale solar projects, significantly contributing to Germany’s renewable energy capacity and aligning with national energy transition goals.
Strategic Site Selection: Kajoni Energie will be responsible for identifying suitable sites, focusing on locations that meet the project specifications of at least 20 hectares and a minimum of 20 MW capacity, which ensures that the sites chosen can host large-scale solar farms effectively.
Regional Focus on Lower Saxony: With Lower Saxony identified as a key area due to its high solar potential, this partnership could catalyze further development in the region, potentially leading to improved infrastructure, job creation, and increased local investment.
Shovel-Ready Projects: The partnership emphasizes bringing projects to a shovel-ready state, streamlining the process from planning and zoning to construction. This approach could reduce the timeline for project completion and drive forward the deployment of solar capacity in Germany.
Strengthening Energy Security: By enhancing the solar energy infrastructure, the partnership supports Germany’s broader goals of energy security and independence, particularly in the context of the transition away from fossil fuels and reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Contributions to Climate Targets: The development of these solar projects aids Germany in meeting its climate targets by increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix. This aligns with the European Union's ambitious climate goals as well.
Investment and Economic Growth: The partnership is likely to stimulate economic growth through investment in renewable infrastructure, leading to job creation not only in construction but also in operations and maintenance of solar facilities once they are operational.
Potential for Technological Innovation: With Lightsource BP’s backing and experience in renewable energy, the partnership may foster technological advancements in solar power generation and grid integration, potentially leading to more efficient and cost-effective solar technologies.
Market Competition: The presence of two influential companies collaborating in the German solar market could lead to increased competition, which might drive down costs for solar energy systems and make solar power more accessible for consumers.
Broader Impacts on Renewable Energy Policy: As Lightsource BP continues to execute its strategy to expand solar projects in Germany, the partnership could have implications for national policies, potentially influencing incentives, regulations, and the overall support for solar energy initiatives.
Public Awareness and Support for Renewable Energy: As large-scale projects come online, they can raise public awareness of solar energy benefits and help garner support for future initiatives and policies aimed at promoting renewable energy usage among the German population.
This collaboration stands to not only bolster the solar energy landscape in Germany but also serve as a model for future partnerships in the renewable energy sector across Europe and beyond.
Aug 20, 2024 // Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, Lightsource BP, PV Power Plant, Kajoni
Lightsource BP makes maiden foray into Spanish solar market with 300MW acquisition
Lightsource BP has announced its entry into the Spanish solar market with the acquisition of a 300MW project portfolio in Zaragoza.
The firm, which is amongst Europe’s leading solar developers, has acquired the portfolio from renewables developer Forestalia.
Lightsource BP said the “material” acquisition marked a “great step forward” in the company’s vision, coming less than a year after it first established a presence in the booming Iberian solar market.
Since then, the firm said it had been looking to collaborate with local partners to establish a foothold in the country’s market. While Lightsource BP remains focused on developing green-field sites, it said acquiring permit-ready projects such as those held by Forestalia would be “vital” to accelerating growth in the market.
The 300MW portfolio comprises six individual sites, all of which are based in the province of Zaragoza, towards the north east of Spain. All six sites will be financed by Lightsource BP, whose team will work to negotiate power purchase agreements with local entities.
Nick Boyle, group chief executive officer at Lightsource BP, said the acquisition marked not just the company’s maiden foray into Spain, but also a milestone in its bid to achieve 10GW of global solar deployment by 2023.
“Through our unique ability and extensive project experience and global supply chain optimisation, the development of these permitted sites will enable us to establish a presence in the Iberian market and provide a secure, reliable source of renewable energy to corporate and utility customers across the region,” Boyle said.
Lightsource BP, while originally more commonly associated with the UK market, has embarked on a worldwide expansion since BP acquired a minority stake in the company almost two years ago.
Oct 16, 2019 // Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, Markets & Finance News, Spain, solar pv, Lightsource BP, Europe, utility-scale, Nick Boyle
EOS Investment Management Group Acquires Lightsource BP's Italian Solar Portfolio
Group (EOS IM) has acquired six solar greenfield projects in Italy from Lightsource BP. The projects have a combined capacity of 294MW and are either permitted or in
Jan 31, 2024 // Markets & Finance News, Italy, Lightsource BP, Europe, EOS Investment Management Group
Lightsource bp Partners up for 300 MW Solar Project in Colorado
Building Companies' Renewable Energy & Storage group has been called by Lightsource BP as the Engineer, Procure, as well as Construction (EPC) Contractor for the 300
Aug 13, 2020 // Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, USA, Colorado, Lightsource BP, North America, Kevin Smith, International, solar projects
Lightsource BP's latest procurement brings Spanish pipe to 3GW
purchase includes three Aragon-based projects, which Lightsource BP will certainly start construction on next year. Two projects in Zaragoza have an ability of 292MW and
Jun 18, 2021 // Plants, Commercial, Markets & Finance News, Spain, Lightsource BP, Europe, grupo jorge
Lightsource BP to co-develop 400MWp of solar capacity in Italy
Lightsource BP, a joint venture in between Lightsource and also BP, has actually signed agreements with 2 Italian companies for the advancement of 400MWp well worth of solar (PV) projects in Italy.
The company authorized the very first agreement with engineering company Solar IT for the advancement of 200MWp of PV capacity in Veneto, Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia as well as Lombardy.
The second agreement is with TEP Renewables' Italian arm for the joint development of a 200MW PV project pipe situated in north-central Italy and also on the country's two largest islands, Sicily and Sardinia.
Of the pipe's total capacity, 163MW has been recognized and also is expected to find online over the following two years.
Lightsource BP Italy country head Giovanni Mascari stated: "We have actually functioned intensively to create a solid portfolio of solar projects in Southern Italy.
" Currently our team believe that the time has involved boost our passions as well as broaden to the rest of the nation, beginning our activities in Northern Italy.
" The North provides several opportunities linked above all to an extra streamlined authorisation process and also the possibility of safeguarding power purchase agreements (PPAs).
" We plan to take these opportunities as well as continue to strengthen relationships with regional developers, institutions as well as neighborhoods."
The business will likewise concentrate on integrating solar energy centers with power storage space systems to make the national electrical energy grid a lot more flexible.
Through these collaborations, Lightsource BP means to additional bolster its presence in the Italian renewable market by exploring new opportunities in Central and also Northern Italy.
Mascari added: "Lightsource BP's experience in creating land-specific projects, for example, through the execution of agrovoltaic initiatives, the setup of transmission lines, in addition to control deal with multiple companions, will permit us to supply sustainable and inexpensive solar energy to business as well as areas of nearly all of Italy."
In October last year, Lightsource BP signed an offer to co-develop a 757MWp solar portfolio in Poland.
Feb 4, 2022 // Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, Markets & Finance News, Italy, Lightsource BP, Europe, Giovanni Mascari
Lightsource BP signs financing, goes bifacial-plus-trackers for Spain debut
for the varieties.
NatWest Markets is to provide a senior debt facility to Lightsource BP that underwrites the project’& rsquo; s whole funding needs, making it
Feb 3, 2020 // Markets & Finance News, Spain, bifacial, Lightsource BP, Europe, trackers, large-scale solar, Paul McCartie