In a significant development, clearvise AG has signed a long-term Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the French solar park Chassiecq with Tokai COBEX Savoie. The 36.4 MWp Chassiecq solar park is expected to be connected to the grid in the second half of 2024 and will generate over 47 GWh of electricity per year. Under the PPA, Tokai COBEX will purchase all the energy produced by the solar park for its two French factories over a total term of 11 years. The Chassiecq solar park is the first project in clearvise's French clearPARTNERS pipeline. clearvise is working with Hamburg-based LNF Energy and a French developer to develop, finance, and construct the project. Petra Leue-Bahns, CEO of clearvise AG, stated that the conclusion of the first corporate PPA is an important milestone in clearvise's portfolio strategy. Andrzej Hotlos, CEO of Tokai COBEX, emphasized the company's commitment to promoting sustainable developments. Le Hoang Nguyen, Managing Partner of LNF Energy GmbH & Co. KG, highlighted the successful cooperation in implementing the project [f10cdf03].
In addition to this, Canadian Solar's subsidiary, Recurrent Energy, has acquired a solar photovoltaic project portfolio exceeding 420 MWp in southern Spain. The portfolio consists of four projects named Rey I, II, III, and IV, all currently under construction. The projects will utilize Canadian Solar's advanced N-type bifacial TOPCon technology modules. Once operational, the Rey projects are expected to generate around 916,000 MWh of clean energy annually. The acquisition is part of Canadian Solar's expansion strategy in the Spanish renewable energy market, with plans for additional solar projects totaling over 1 GW in 2024 [5579ce11].
Furthermore, Fresno Unified School District in Fresno, California, has recently debuted a new 17.5-MW solar energy and storage portfolio. The district partnered with ForeFront Power, a developer and asset manager of large-scale solar energy projects, to develop the portfolio. The portfolio consists of 40 different projects, including solar canopies and energy storage systems, spread across 31 sites. The project is expected to save the district an estimated $40 million over its 20-year lifespan. Additionally, it will generate 23.5 million kWh of clean, renewable energy and offset over 18,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. The partnership also provides the district with access to real-time performance monitoring, reports, and visualizations of energy use and offsets, as well as curriculum support for STEM education programs [d6d2ad7d].
National Grid Renewables has commenced construction on two solar PV projects in southern Minnesota. The Fillmore County Solar Project and the Louise Solar Project, with a combined capacity of 95MW, are connected to the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) market and will deploy First Solar Series 6 modules. These projects have power purchase agreements (PPAs) in place with Xcel Energy, a Minnesota-based electric utility. Berry Construction has been selected to handle the construction of the two solar projects. National Grid Renewables is committed to expanding renewable energy infrastructure and contributing to the clean energy transition in the US [81cc0c5e].
Standard Solar has acquired an 18.5 MW, six-project solar portfolio in Vermont from MHG Solar. The portfolio projects include Evergreen Solar, Halladay Solar, Midway Solar, Steinberg Solar, Stone Mill Solar, and Trolley Tracks Solar. All projects are expected to be completed by the end of this year. The acquisition allows Standard Solar to play a vital role in helping Vermont achieve its renewable energy targets. The portfolio has a power purchase agreement (PPA) with VEPP, the Standard Offer Facilitator for existing and new Standard Offer Projects. The acquisition was made in partnership with MHG Solar, and Standard Solar is committed to partnering with local authorities and stakeholders for a seamless integration of the solar projects into the existing energy infrastructure [c3d86475].
Lightsource bp has closed a $348 million financing package for two utility-scale solar projects in Texas. The projects, the 163MW Starr Solar project in Starr County and the 125MW Second Division Solar project in Brazoria County, will bring an additional 288 megawatts of solar capacity to the Texas electric grid. Construction is underway, with both projects scheduled to come online in 2024. The financing package includes transferability facilities made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act. The projects are expected to generate enough electricity to power 50,000 homes and create 400 jobs during construction [b6059e6d].
EDP Renewables North America and Volt Energy Utility have partnered with Microsoft to develop the Hickory Solar Park, a 110 MWac photovoltaic project in Jerseyville, Illinois. Microsoft has agreed to purchase electricity and renewable energy credits from the project for fifteen years. The project aims to address environmental injustices and support the transition to a clean energy economy. The agreement uses an Environmental Justice PPA form developed by Microsoft and Volt Energy. The project will contribute funding to the Sharing the Power Foundation, which supports mission-aligned programs in environmental justice. The project also commits to purchasing and retiring carbon offsets to achieve carbon neutrality. The partnership aims to create job opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses in project management and construction. This partnership expands on the collaboration between Microsoft and EDP Renewables North America that started in July 2019. Microsoft has also executed power purchase agreements with EDPR for the Wolf Run Solar Park and Cattlemen Solar Park II. The projects are expected to be operational by the end of 2024 [a3c1e1db].
Enersense, a provider of zero-emission energy solutions, has achieved its targeted development phase for a new 1000 MW wind power project portfolio more than a year earlier than expected. The original target was set for May 2025 in a cooperation agreement signed in May 2022 between Enersense and VALOREM, a French origin developer and green IPP. Enersense has already started the development of 500 MW of wind projects with VALOREM Group. In addition to the 1500 MW portfolio under development with VALOREM Group, Enersense owns and manages a total of 6900 MW of onshore wind power projects and all upcoming new onshore wind power projects, supporting the company's target of starting its own energy production. [cb8198bf].