City Begins Construction of Two Solar Projects in Support of Division of Power Customers, Columbus Climate Action Plan
The City of
Columbus, through its Department of Public Utilities’ Division of Power, broke
ground today on the Parsons Avenue solar project – one of two new solar
projects that will provide 45 MW of additional clean energy to Division of
Power customers. Both projects are being developed
and constructed by NextEra Energy.
“We’re delivering on our promise to provide
local clean energy to power our homes and small businesses,” said City of
Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “These facilities will serve as a beacon in
our community, signaling our steadfast commitment to a healthy and prosperous
future for all our residents.”
The Parsons Avenue solar project
will generate 27 MW of clean energy, while the Jackson Pike solar project,
which is also beginning construction, will provide an additional 18 MW – both
contributing a total of 45 MW. The Jackson Pike project is being developed on a
former city landfill site, putting a brownfield area back into productive use
for the benefit of the community.
“The Department of Public
Utilities and our Division of Power is embracing and forging a clean energy
future,” said Director of Public Utilities Kristen Atha. “We are rising to meet
the goals within the Columbus Climate Action Plan and understand the critical
role our department plays in creating an equitable future for Columbus.”
The Columbus Climate Action Plan
commits to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and includes a strategy to
transition to clean energy sources with specific targets to achieve 200 MW of
municipal onsite solar by 2030 and 100% municipal clean energy procurement by
2030.
The city’s Division of Power
serves nearly 17,000 accounts and currently provides over 50% clean energy
through its power purchase contracts for residents and businesses. These two
projects will provide enough clean energy to power nearly 7,500 homes,
increasing the division’s provision of clean energy to nearly 60%.
“The
groundbreaking of the Parsons Solar facility right here in Columbus further
demonstrates our commitment to supporting the city's clean energy goals,” said
Matt Ulman, vice president of distributed generation for NextEra Energy
Resources. “We are proud to contribute to the city's sustainability efforts and
share its vision of achieving carbon neutrality. This project adds to our
portfolio of more than 70 MW in operation in Ohio and helps us bring more
renewable energy to the Columbus community."