Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions starts work on 120 MW solar project in Idaho
Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions has started construction on the 120-megawatt (MW) Jackpot Solar project in Twin Falls County, Idaho.
Jackpot Solar, which will be located on 952 rural acres south of the city of Twin Falls, will be the largest solar facility in operation in Idaho when it commences commercial operation by the end of 2022. It will provide energy to Idaho Power through a 20-year power purchase agreement.
“We’re excited to enter into the Idaho market and be a part of the state’s transition toward a cleaner energy future,” Chris Fallon, president of Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions,” said. “Jackpot Solar will help diversify the state’s energy infrastructure, bring additional economic benefits to the state and Twin Falls County, while also supporting Idaho Power’s clean energy goals.”
Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions will own and operate the project. It will help Idaho Power reach its goal of providing 100 percent clean energy by 2045.
“Providing 100 percent clean energy is an important goal for Idaho Power, and more and more customers are telling us it is important to them, too,” Idaho Power President and CEO Lisa Grow said. “We have a great head start, thanks to our clean hydropower plants that remain our largest source of energy.”
SOLV Energy is handling the engineering and construction of the project. It is expected to employ approximately 200 workers at peak construction. The Duke Energy Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to the Shoshone Basin Rangeland Fire Protection Association to support the organization’s efforts to enhance the safety of the citizens in rural areas of Twin Falls County, Idaho.
“Safety is a top priority for us,” Fallon said. “We’re proud to be a part of this community and help fund the equipment and services that will enable the Shoshone Basin emergency responders to continue to maintain the safety of area residents and businesses.”
Duke Energy has installed more than 10,000 MW of solar and wind energy, well on its way to its goal of reaching 16,000 MW of renewables by 2025 and 47,000 MW by 2050.