Lightsource bp, the joint venture of oil major bp for renewable energy developments, announced this Tuesday that it has secured contracts with McDonald’s Corporation and eBay Inc., for the delivery of clean electricity, through a large solar project in Louisiana.
Firstly, McDonald’s and eBay have agreed with Lightsource bp for the purchase of power from what will be Louisiana’s largest solar project, located 30 miles northwest of Baton Rouge in Pointe Coupee Parish; a 345-megawatt solar complex called Ventress Solar.
Secondly, the agreements intend to help the companies in the advance of their sustainability and climate change action; while growing Lightsource bp’s expanding footprint of solar assets across the Southeast.
Thirdly, once the project is fully operational, the project will generate over 600,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean energy annually; which is the equivalent to the average annual consumption of 59,000 US homes.
Moreover, construction of the Ventress Solar project will begin as early as the end of this year; and the company expects that by mid-2023 will be fully operational. Indeed, Lightsource bp is developing the project and will be the long-term owner and operator.
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Lightsource bp to create benefits for Louisiana
In addition, the project will provide the community with substantial benefits; for example, it will create approximately 400 construction jobs for 15-18 months, comprised primarily of local labor; it will also provide an estimated of $30 million dollar boost to Pointe Coupee Parish over the project life; providing additional funding for schools, fire departments, also, libraries and health services.
About the relevance of the project, and the purchase of energy from it, Emma Cox, Global Renewable Energy Lead at McDonald’s, said. “Our renewable energy deal with Lightsource bp will create Louisiana’s largest solar project; and will serve as the latest milestone in making significant progress toward our science-based emissions reduction target for 2030.”
On the other hand, Renee Morin, Chief Sustainability Officer, eBay, said. “This project enables us to source the clean energy equivalent of our data center. Our collaboration with Lightsource bp and McDonald’s uniquely propels our shared goal to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy.”
Finally, Kevin Smith, CEO of the Americas for Lightsource bp, concluded. “Customer aggregation deals such as this allow businesses of varying sizes and energy needs to come together; spur meaningful development of clean and affordable energy sources in the US. This collaborative agreement by McDonald’s and eBay is also a model we hope others will replicate.”
