Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions begins operating 250 MW Texas solar plant

Operations began at the Pisgah Ridge Solar project in Navarro County, Texas, this week, bringing 250 MW of solar power into the fold of Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions (DESS) and kicking off its largest solar power plant to date.

The new offerings folded into the company’s portfolio of nearly 1,500 MW of wind, 750 MW of solar, and a 36-MW battery storage facility.

DESS, a non-regulated commercial brand of Duke Energy, announced that more than 90 percent of the facility’s energy output was already claimed. Under 15-year virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs), Charles River Laboratories International Inc., Meijer, and another company bought up the power load from the start.

“We’re excited to continue to grow our Texas solar portfolio,” Chris Fallon, president of Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions, said. “This project demonstrates how we can continue to expand our renewable energy resources while providing unique sustainability solutions for commercial customers.”

For Charles River, 102 MW will be used to address its whole North American electric power load. The company provides research tools and integrated support services for drug discovery and development. Separately, the Midwest retailer Meijer purchased 83 MW of the facility’s offerings.

“Lessening our impact on the environment through a continued commitment in reducing carbon emissions is an issue that is important to us and our customers,” Erik Petrovskis, director of environmental compliance and sustainability at Meijer, said. “We’ve made significant progress over the years, but this project with Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions puts us on the right path to making an even bigger impact.”

Construction of Pisgah Ridge was undertaken by Moss, although DESS now owns and operates the project. All three VPPS associated with the site will settle their accounts as necessary in connection to the project’s real-time energy output.