US-based Geronimo Energy, a National Grid company, has signed a power purchase agreement with Kentucky-based not-for-profit, generation and transmission cooperative Big Rivers Electric Corporation.
The PPA is for the Unbridled solar project, which is said to be the largest solar project development in the state of Kentucky.
Located in Henderson and Webster Counties, Unbridled Solar is a 160MW clean solar energy project.
National Grid Distributed & Renewable Energy president Daniel Westerman said: “This contract with Big Rivers Electric Corporation furthers National Grid’s and Geronimo Energy’s collective mission to reduce carbon emissions and accelerate a clean energy future.
“For community members and Big Rivers Electric Corporation, this project represents a significant step forward in combatting climate change and diversifying the local electric generator portfolio.”
The solar project is expected to come online in 2023, and once operational the project is estimated to offset 255,000 metric tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
The company noted that Unbridled is expected to bring $9m of economic benefits during the first 20 years of operation.
Additionally, the Unbridled Solar Education Fund is expected to offer nearly $640,000 in donations to the local school districts.
Big Rivers Electric Corporation president and CEO Bob Berry said: “Big Rivers is excited to add this renewable energy source to our portfolio for the sole benefit of our Member-Owners.
“This is another example of our commitment to provide safe, reliable and sustainable energy to our Members.”
In February this year, Geronimo Energy and Basin Electric Power Cooperative signed a PPA for the 128MW Wild Springs Solar Project in Pennington County, South Dakota.
A not-for-profit wholesale power provider Basin Electric has 141 member cooperative systems in nine states across the US.
