Raleigh Solar Power Plant First of its Kind in NC
Staff Reports
Progress Energy Carolinas has signed an agreement with Southern Energy and NxGen Power to build, own and operate a 1.3-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) array and sell the output to Progress Energy Carolinas for distribution to its customers. The proposed PV array would be located on City of Raleigh property at the Neuse River Wastewater Treatment Plant (NRWWTP).
The project will be the first utility-scale solar power project located on local government property in North Carolina. This is also the fifth and largest solar array project announced by Progress Energy Carolinas, bringing the total amount of solar-generated electricity scheduled to be purchased by the company to more than five megawatts.
“We are committed to aggressively and responsibly pursuing renewable
energy resources, such as solar power, as part of a balanced approach
to meeting our region’s growing energy demand,” said Lloyd Yates,
president and chief executive officer of Progress Energy Carolinas.
“This project continues our long history of partnering with local
communities, and we are pleased to help advance this innovative
technology.”
The Raleigh City Council voted unanimously July 7, 2009, to authorize
city staff to begin negotiating a lease agreement with Southern Energy
and NxGen Power for about 10 acres at the NRWWTP, located at the
northwest corner of Brownfield and Battlebridge Roads. No city capital
investment will be required for this project.
The proposed solar PV array is expected to come online in early 2010
and will generate about 1.7 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity
per year, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 1,300 tons
annually. This is equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions from the
use of about 140,000 gallons of gasoline.
“We have seen solar go from an extreme idea to something homeowners,
homebuilders, businesses and now even cities and government leaders are
recognizing as a viable mainstream option,” said Bob Kingery,
co-founder of Southern Energy. “As a local company that started in
Raleigh in a living room in 2001, we are humbled to have the
opportunity to help advance their sustainability initiatives and
increase the availability of renewable energy in our state.”
Southern Energy, based in Morrisville, recently completed developing
and installing two other megawatt-size solar arrays in the state. It is
developing this project with financing partner NxGen Power, based in
Charlotte. Southern Energy anticipates creating 13 to 15 new local jobs
through the construction phase of the solar array.
Michael Byrnes, president and chief executive officer of NxGen Power,
said, “North Carolina has a unique opportunity to lead the Southeast in
renewable energy implementation and innovation. We are proud to partner
with the City of Raleigh, Progress Energy, and Southern Energy, to help
forge the way.”
The city and Progress Energy Carolinas, which is headquartered in
Raleigh, have already partnered on several “green” initiatives. These
include installing energy-efficient LED streetlights and preparing the
city for electric vehicles through the NC Get Ready project.
“Advancing our sustainability is a top City of Raleigh priority,”
Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker said following the council’s approval to
pursue a lease agreement. “I am delighted that we can partner with
Progress Energy, Southern Energyand NxGenPowerto advance this
technology and reduce carbon emissions.”
In 2008, Raleigh’s Public Utilities Department, which already leads
many of the city’s sustainability efforts, started investigating solar
PV generation and determined the NRWWTP site was a potential location
for an array. This was done with the assistance of Mike Nicklas of
Innovative Design, an internationally known and environmentally
sensitive architectural firm based in Raleigh and the winner of the
city’s 2009 Pioneering Environmental Award.
The city invited several experienced solar power developers to submit
project bids in response to Progress Energy Carolinas’ request for
renewable energy proposals, issued initially in November 2007. The
company’s request is designed to meet the requirements of North
Carolina’s Renewable Energy and Efficiency Portfolio Standard, passed
in 2007. After an extensive evaluation process, Progress Energy
Carolinas accepted Southern Energy’s proposal.
More information about Progress Energy is available online .
