Global solar leader Lightsource bp and AEP Energy Partners (AEPEP), a subsidiary of American Electric Power (AEP) and one of the largest wholesale energy suppliers in the country, have signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for a 188 MW DC solar project located in New Carlisle about 10 miles west of South Bend, Indiana.
Once complete, the Honeysuckle Solar project will generate enough clean energy annually to power 27,000 U.S. homes and will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 204,000 metric tons each year.
“AEP Energy Partners is proud to provide customers with integrated, carbon-free energy that fulfills their sustainability goals, delivers long-term price stability, and benefits the environment. Our partnership with Lightsource bp demonstrates our commitment to the development of new renewable resources that both empower local communities and support a cleaner, brighter energy future,” said Greg Hall, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, AEP.
Lightsource bp will finance, build, own and operate the facility and sell the solar energy it generates to AEP Energy Partners under a long-term PPA. Construction of the project has been initiated on site, with commercial operation starting in 2024. South Bend based Inovateus Solar LLC is the construction contractor for the facility, with a focus on utilizing local labor for the mechanical, electrical and civil work on site.
“This power purchase agreement is a great example of how energy buyers with sustainability goals such as AEP Energy Partners can work with us to spur the buildout of new solar projects that will improve the health and energy security of communities across America while helping strengthen local economies. As the owner and operator of the Honeysuckle solar farm, we look forward to bringing economic and environmental benefits to the region, along with fostering community partnerships,” said Kevin Smith, Lightsource bp’s CEO of the Americas.
