Pennsylvania governor, Tom Wolf, announced today that his state government is launching a solar initiative that will be the largest in the whole nation; it contemplates the development of seven new solar projects that will deliver more than half the state’s consumption.
Firstly, projects will begin operations around January 2023. They will be located at six counties of the state: the Columbia, Juniata, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and York counties. After completion, the projects altogether will have a capacity of 191 megawatts.
Secondly, the projects each year will deliver 361,000 MW hours of clean electricity; they’ll supply 100% of electricity for 434 accounts across 16 state agencies; or about half the electricity used by state government.
Thirdly, the projects will also create a robust quantity of jobs, more than 400, and will avoid the emissions of 157,800 metric tons of carbon dioxide every year. The equivalent of the emissions from nearly 27,000 homes or taking 34,000 cars off the roads.
Moreover, Pennsylvania General Services secured a 15-year fixed price for the supply agreement; this, with Constellation, a Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission-licensed electric generation supplier.
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Pennsylvania to step forward on energy transition efforts
In addition, Lightsource BP will build, own and operate the solar arrays. Which will also generate Solar Renewable Energy Credits, or SRECs. Those SRECs cannot be used for compliance or voluntary purposes by any other entity, thereby preserving the existing SREC market in the state.
On the other hand, the renewable energy initiative aligns with the state GreenGov challenge; which is pushed by governor Wolf to lower the greenhouse gas emissions of the state and meet energy transition goals; as the 85% of the state’s emissions are generated by the energy sector.
Consequently, “pursuing clean energy and energy efficiency at the enterprise scale, as the state government solar procurement demonstrates, will make a big impact. At the same time, research shows the clean energy sector is a leading creator of quality jobs in Pennsylvania, bringing positive economic impacts as well.” Said the state’s Department of Environmental Protection Secretary, Patrick McDonnell.
Finally, about the contract with Constellation and prices, General Services Secretary, Curt Topper, said. “The contract with Constellation also provides us with long-term price protection and budget certainty.
