Duke Energy begins operation of its largest solar plant in Texas
In North Carolina, Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions (DESS), a non-regulated commercial brand of Duke Energy, said it is now operating its largest solar power plant ever – the 250-megawatt (MW) Pisgah Ridge Solar project in Navarro County, Texas. “We’re excited to continue to grow our Texas solar portfolio,” said Chris Fallon, president of Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions. “This project demonstrates how we can continue to expand our renewable energy resources while providing unique sustainability solutions for commercial customers.” Charles River Laboratories International Inc. has a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) for 102 MW of the project over the next 15 years. This commitment will address the entirety of the company’s North American electric power load with renewable energy by 2023. “Charles River has committed to sourcing 100% of our global electricity needs through renewable sources by 2030,” said Gregg Belardo, executive director of EHS & sustainability at Charles River. “Our VPPA with DESS provides coverage for our North American facilities and moves us significantly closer to that global goal. We are proud to partner with Duke Energy and are excited that Pisgah Ridge is now online.”
