Amazon buying output of 375-MW Birch solar project in Ohio

Lightsource bp said on Tuesday that it has executed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Amazon for a new 375-MWdc solar project under development in Ohio. Once complete, the solar facility is expected to deliver nearly 600,000 megawatt hours (MWh) annually of additional renewable energy for Amazon operations locally. 

The project will be in Auglaize and Allen Counties.

Stephanie Kromer, Director of Energy & Environmental Policy at Ohio Chamber of Commerce recognized Amazon’s commitment to renewables in a statement. “In just three years, the combined direct, indirect and induced effects of Amazon’s investment in our state could create thousands of new jobs for Ohioans and hundreds of millions of dollars in new regional income and GDP in Ohio,” she said.

Additional economic investment and local benefits of this project will include:

• Approximately $94 million in additional revenue for the local communities through a PILOT program over the life of the project, with $1.5 million to local school districts each year, for 35 years.
• 400 or more jobs during the 18-month construction of the facility, with 80% or more local Ohio labor.
• A $4.6 million annual operations budget, to be primarily spent in region.
• An estimated $314-364 million of private investment by Lightsource bp and project investors into energy infrastructure for the state, helping diversify Ohio’s energy portfolio and strengthening energy security with local electricity generation.

Generation from the solar project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 423,700 metric tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to removing 91,515 fuel burning cars off the road, according to Lightsource bp.

Source: Renewable Energy