Appalachian Power issues 1,000 MW wind, 100 MW solar resource request

Appalachian Power issued its largest-ever request for wind energy resources this week, under a proposal search calling for up to 1,000 MW of wind energy and/or 100 MW of solar generation, with the potential coupling of battery energy storage systems.

The massive renewables push will help the company meet Virginia’s Clean Economy Act (VCEA) requirements, which demand the utility go carbon-free by 2050 and meet annual renewable energy targets in the interim. That means Appalachian Power is looking to go big for any purchase and sale agreements. To be eligible for bidding, the proposed facilities must be at least 50 MW and be operational by Dec. 15, 2025.

“We’ve made significant progress in establishing our renewables portfolio over the past two years,” Appalachian Power President and COO Chris Beam said. “This is the largest RFP we’ve issued for wind to date, and we intend to issue additional requests for proposals this year as we work to provide more clean energy options for our customers.”

While the indicated proposals coming later this year will be for energy storage and solar power purchase agreements, wind is the focus of this current push, and its bidders also have fewer restrictions. While solar bidders can include options for battery energy storage systems, they must be located within Virginia. The state’s boundaries do not restrict wind projects. All projects, however, must be interconnected to PJM – the independent regional transmission organization – for consideration.

The RFP could acquire either one or several wind or solar facilities by Appalachian Power. Proposals are needed by March 8, 2022.