Pisgah Ridge Solar project : Duke Energy begins operations at Navarro County facility

Duke Energy has commenced operations at the 250MW Pisgah Ridge Solar project in Navarro County, Texas, which is the American energy company’s largest solar power plant to date.

The Pisgah Ridge solar power plant is owned and operated by Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions (DESS), which is the nonregulated commercial brand of the New York Stock Exchange-listed Duke Energy.

The solar power project in Navarro County broke ground in June 2021 and involved around 300 workers during peak construction. The engineering and construction for the Pisgah Ridge Solar project were executed by Moss.

Chris Fallon — Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions president said: “We’re excited to continue to grow our Texas solar portfolio.

“This project demonstrates how we can continue to expand our renewable energy resources while providing unique sustainability solutions for commercial customers.”

Duke Energy begins operations at the Pisgah Ridge Solar project in Navarro County, Texas. Photo courtesy of Duke Energy Corporation.

The Pisgah Ridge solar power plant is underpinned by a 15-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with Charles River Laboratories International for a capacity of 102MW. The VPPA will help Charles River Laboratories to fully meet its North American electric power load with clean, renewable electricity by 2023.

Gregg Belardo — Charles River Laboratories executive director of EHS & sustainability said: “Charles River has committed to sourcing 100% of our global electricity needs through renewable sources by 2030.

“Our VPPA with DESS provides coverage for our North American facilities and moves us significantly closer to that global goal. We are proud to partner with Duke Energy and are excited that Pisgah Ridge is now online.”

The Pisgah Ridge Solar project has another 15-year VPPA, which is with Meijer, a Midwest retailer, for a capacity of 83MW. Another company has a 15-year VPPA with Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions, said Duke Energy, which added that 90% of the power generated by the solar power plant is covered under the three agreements.