Mockingbird Solar Center : Ørsted, Bloomberg sign major renewable energy agreement

Ørsted, a leader in clean energy development, has announced a pivotal 80MW power purchase agreement (PPA) with Bloomberg. This agreement is part of the Mockingbird Solar Center project, Ørsted’s largest solar undertaking in the U.S., located near Paris, Texas. The Mockingbird Solar Center, currently under construction, has reached a fully contracted status for its 471 MW capacity with this agreement.

Strategic Expansion in Renewable Energy

The Mockingbird Solar Center is not only significant for its size but also marks Ørsted’s first project to integrate conservation efforts, focusing on the protection of native tallgrass prairie. Bloomberg joins other corporate customers, including Covestro and Royal DSM, in purchasing power from this landmark project.

Bloomberg’s Commitment to Renewable Energy

Bloomberg’s participation in this project is in line with its commitment to the RE100, a global corporate initiative aiming for 100 percent renewable electricity. In 2022, Bloomberg secured 192,533 MWh of renewable energy, covering 54.6 percent of its global electricity needs. The additional renewable energy sourced from the Mockingbird Solar Center is expected to cover all of Bloomberg’s U.S. electricity usage and 80 percent of its global consumption.

Conservation and Collaboration at the Core

This project features a unique collaboration between Ørsted and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to preserve nearly 1,000 acres of rare, native tallgrass prairie adjacent to the solar center. Ørsted’s purchase of part of the Smiley-Woodfin National Prairie Grassland, which will be donated to TNC, signifies a major conservation effort.

Impactful Environmental and Economic Contributions

The Mockingbird Solar Center not only contributes to environmental conservation but also bolsters the local economy. Creating 500 jobs during peak construction and injecting an estimated $215 million into the local economy over the project’s life, the project exemplifies Ørsted’s commitment to sustainable development.

Leaders’ Perspectives on the Partnership

Dave Wildman, Global Head Facilities, Sustainability Ops, MEP Infrastructure at Bloomberg, expressed enthusiasm for this partnership in advancing renewable energy goals and contributing to conservation efforts. Monica Testa, Head of Origination, Americas at Ørsted, emphasized the coexistence of conservation and clean energy through this project.

A Step Towards Sustainable Future

The Ørsted-Bloomberg agreement for the Mockingbird Solar Center project represents a significant step forward in the transition to renewable energy. This collaboration not only advances Bloomberg’s sustainability goals but also showcases how renewable energy projects can harmoniously integrate with environmental conservation efforts. As Ørsted expands its clean energy footprint in the U.S., partnerships like this are vital in paving the way towards a more sustainable and greener future.