City of Charlotte to add 35 MW of solar under Duke Energy green programme

The city of Charlotte in the US state of North Carolina has signed up for a renewable energy programme that will result in the construction of a 35-MW solar power park in Iredell County.

The city authorities have executed a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) under the Green Source Advantage (GSA) programme set up by Duke Energy Corp (NYSE:DUKE).

As the utility explained, the city of Charlotte will be able to partially offset its energy demand by securing zero-carbon power once the solar plant is connected to the Duke Energy grid.

To get the 35-MW project of the ground, the city will team up with Carolina Solar Energy, a North Carolina-based solar firm, and Ecoplexus Inc, an international solar company with offices in the state.

The solar park is expected to commence operations in 2022, Duke Energy said.

The GSA programme is designed for large customers, which may keep the renewable energy certificates (RECs) from the projects and used the purchased electricity to meet sustainability or carbon-free goals.

Duke Energy has made available 600 MW of capacity for its North Carolina customers under the GSA.

The city of Charlotte, which has become the first municipality to participate in the GSA, seeks to have its municipal fleet and facilities powered up by 100% zero-carbon energy sources by 2030, the utility added.

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