EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA) has commissioned three new utility-scale solar projects totaling 400 megawatts (MW) in Illinois and Texas.
Microsoft will purchase 389 MW of electricity and renewable energy credits (RECs) from the projects through long-term virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs).
The projects include the 140 MW Wolf Run Solar Project and the 110 MW Hickory Solar Project in Southern Illinois, as well as the 150 MW Cattlemen II Solar Project near Austin, Texas.
The recent additions bring the companies’ operating portfolio to five projects.
Wolf Run and Hickory have contributed $4.8 million to landowners who have leased portions of their land to the projects. Millions of dollars have also gone to local governments through tax payments to fund critical services, schools, road maintenance, and other local initiatives.
Cattlemen II will also contribute millions in tax revenue to the local economy, as well as create around 300 construction jobs and other permanent jobs in the area.
“The importance of ensuring benefits flowing from renewable energy development directly into communities has never been more important,” said Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO, EDP Renewables North America, in a statement. “Through these three additional projects, we’re keeping our promise – and indeed the industry’s promise – to contribute to the nation’s growing energy demand and in that process invest in long-lasting economic growth of our communities.”
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