Appalachian Power issues RFPs for competitive renewable energy projects

Appalachian Power announced Thursday it had issued two requests for proposals (RFPs) for competitive renewable energy projects.

The projects will help the company meet its annual interim requirements toward 100 percent carbon-free energy under the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA). Specifically, Appalachian Power is seeking renewable energy resources and renewable energy certificates.

“The RFPs issued today are another step in supporting our goal of carbon-free generation in Virginia by 2050,” said Chris Beam, Appalachian Power president and chief operating officer. “We’ve made great progress in expanding our renewable energy portfolio over the last two years and are eager to see what bidders bring to us as a result of this latest RFP.”

The first RFP seeks proposals for up to 100MW of solar and/or wind resources via one or more long-term power purchase agreements (PPA). The projects must be located in Virginia and provide power directly to the company’s distribution system or be connected to the regional transmission system managing the electric grid in 13 states – the PJM. Agreements in the bids must be for 20 or 30 years, while the minimum bid size for solar projects is 5 MWs, while the minimum bid size for wind is 50 MWs. Projects must be operational by Dec. 31, 2025.

The second RFP centers around a request for unbundled renewable energy certificates (RECs). All RECs under the RFP must be produced from eligible energy resources as defined by Subsection C of the Virginia Code.

Proposals must be submitted by July 27, 2022, and more information about the proposal criteria required forms or other specifics is available online.