EDP ​​projects highlight new developments

EDP ​​​​Renewables North America (EDPR NA) inaugurated the Pearl River Solar Park in Scott County, Mississippi, on July 10. Pearl River has an installed generating capacity of 210 MWp (175 MWac). The project includes 400,000 monofacial and bifacial tracking photovoltaic panels and is EDPR NA’s official entry into Mississippi, the company announced Wednesday.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the project is the largest solar farm ever built in Mississippi.

“Pearl River Solar Park is an important part of the state’s growing clean energy portfolio, and we are proud to have them in Scott County contributing to the region’s economic development. Additionally, the EDPR NA team continues to demonstrate their commitment to cultivating high-impact community relationships,” said former Mississippi Public Utilities Commissioner Brent Bailey.

“We are excited that Pearl River is finally up and running. Solar energy is a win-win for Mississippi because it accelerates the deployment of clean energy on the grid and contributes to the state’s decarbonization goals. The project will begin operations immediately to provide Mississippi with an accessible source of clean energy,” said Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO of EDPR NA.

EDPR NA also announced it is developing a second project in Mississippi – the 100 MW Ragsdale Solar Park in Canton.

EDPR NA also announced Wednesday that it will unveil Scarlet I Solar Energy Park in Fresno County, Calif., on July 17. The project is being developed in partnership with Ava Community Energy and San Jose Clean Energy. The 200-MW solar project will also feature 40 MW of battery storage.

The solar-plus-storage installation is EDPR NA’s first in California. It will support Ava Community Energy and San Jose Clean Energy’s energy mix diversification efforts as they work to reduce their customers’ exposure to rising electricity prices. The companies also said the project will underscore their success in investing in innovative hybrid multi-technology systems.

IHI Power Services to Manage Solar Farms in Indiana and Ohio

IHI Power Services Corp. (IPSC), a provider of operations and maintenance, asset management, remote operations and regulatory compliance services to the power generation and other energy industries throughout the United States, has been selected by Doral Renewables to provide asset management services for two renewable energy projects.

IPSC will manage the Mammoth North Solar Project, a 400 MW facility in Starke County, Indiana, and the Great Bend Solar Project, a 48 MW facility in Meigs County, Ohio.

Mammoth North is in the process of entering commercial operation and is the first phase of Doral’s Mammoth Solar project, which will have 1.3 GW of generating capacity when completed. The $1.5 billion project is being developed in four phases, starting with Mammoth North Solar. Mammoth South Solar and Mammoth Central Solar I & II are expected to enter full construction in the first quarter of 2025.

Construction on Doral’s Great Bend Solar project in Ohio will begin this year, with commercial operation expected by the end of 2025.

“Doral Renewables’ trust in IPSC to support the Mammoth North and Great Bend solar projects underscores our proven ability to deliver the highest level of asset management – ​​a service offering we have purposefully prioritized and expanded in recent years,” said John Keller, CEO of IPSC. “Our experience in optimizing renewable assets aligns perfectly with Doral’s vision of supporting sustainable communities, and we look forward to contributing to the success of one of the largest solar projects in the United States while reinforcing our commitment to excellence in the clean energy sector.”

Doral currently has more than 13 GW of solar and storage projects under development nationwide, and has more than $2.5 billion in long-term wholesale power purchase agreements in place.

“IPSC’s asset management team has consistently delivered outstanding results, making them a valued and long-term partner in our renewable energy endeavors,” said Amit Nadkarni, vice president of project management at Doral Renewables. “Their support has been beneficial as we continue to realize our vision of strengthening communities by creating a more sustainable future, and this partnership reflects our full confidence in the organization’s ability to strengthen our growth initiatives.”

Standard Solar takes over New Mexico project

Standard Solar, a commercial and community solar developer and asset owner, announced that it has acquired a 4.98-MW solar project in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, from developer Energy Management Inc. (EMI). The Bent Bow project, under development by EMI since 2021 and expected to be completed late next year, is one of six in Doña Ana County selected as part of the Request for Proposals for Community Solar in New Mexico initiative. More than 50 applications have been submitted for projects in Doña Ana County.

Bent Bow contributes to the 30 MW allocated to El Paso Electric under the Act. The Community Solar Act, which limits the initial years of total community solar installation to 200 MW across three investor-owned utilities, is intended to facilitate energy access for low-income households and those in locations that are not suitable for rooftop solar. The Act mandates that at least 30% of the energy from community solar installations be dedicated to low-income subscribers, ensuring equitable benefits as New Mexico transitions to renewable energy. This project supports the state’s environmental goals and increases community engagement and energy independence, providing tangible benefits to the local community.

“As a pioneer in this market, we were able to secure an award in El Paso Electric’s service area and successfully develop and permit the project,” said Jim Gordon, president of EMI. “Selling the project to Standard Solar made sense for us because they plan to build a portfolio of solar projects in New Mexico, and we had a good experience selling EMI’s Rhode Island solar project to Standard Solar.”

“The acquisition of this solar project in Doña Ana County from EMI is an example of the efficiency of our transactions and the strength of our valued partnerships,” said Mike Streams, Chief Development Officer at Standard Solar. “This project, initiated by Energy Management Inc. in response to New Mexico’s vision for community solar, is a key step forward in our partnership. Our collaboration advances our commitment to renewable energy projects in New Mexico and demonstrates the profound impact that aligned visions can have in driving sustainable development, especially for local communities.”

—Darrell Proctor is a senior deputy editor at POWER (@POWERmagazine).