Pisgah Ridge Solar project : Duke Energy breaks ground on 250MW solar power plant

Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions, a commercial brand of Duke Energy, has broken ground on the 250MW Pisgah Ridge Solar project in Texas.

Once operational, the Pisgah Ridge Solar project located in Navarro County will be the largest utility-scale solar facility in the portfolio of Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions.

PPAs signed for the Pisgah Ridge Solar project

The solar power plant in Texas is underpinned by a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) for 102MW with Charles River Laboratories International for a period of 15 years.

Gregg Belardo – senior director of EHS and sustainability at Charles River Laboratories International said: “This VPPA is the first step toward our commitment to source 100% renewable electricity globally by 2030. The benefits of the Pisgah Ridge Solar project move us substantially closer to achieving that goal.”

Apart from Charles River Laboratories International, two other corporations have signed separate 15-year VPPA agreements for the remaining capacity of 148MW of the Pisgah Ridge Solar project.

Duke Energy begins construction on the 250MW Pisgah Ridge Solar project in Texas. Photo courtesy of Duke Energy Corporation.

The solar project in Navarro County will be owned and operated by Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions, while its engineering and construction works are being executed by construction firm Moss.

According to Duke Energy, the Pisgah Ridge solar farm is expected to begin commercial operation by the end of next year.

Chris Fallon – president of Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions said: “We’re excited to continue to grow our Texas solar portfolio, which will provide additional energy resources for the citizens of Texas to help meet their growing demand and need for a more diverse energy infrastructure.

“This project demonstrates how we can address the community’s need for clean energy resources, while providing unique sustainability solutions for customers like Charles River.”

The Pisgah Ridge Solar project is estimated to hire 200-300 workers during peak construction.