NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, through an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary, announced that it brought into service a 6.8 megawatt (MW) DC ground-mounted solar photovoltaic array in Klamath County, Oregon. The project, which includes 21,964 sun-tracking solar panels, is located on a former Weyerhaeuser industrial site.
“This is a great example of how we can put former industrial property back to work for the people of Oregon, generating clean, renewable energy for years to come,” said Matt Handel, vice president of development for NextEra Energy Resources. “We’re pleased to partner with Pacific Power to bring emission-free energy to its customers and in helping the state achieve its renewable energy goals.”
The project is expected to generate enough electricity to power an estimated 1,200 homes, and reduces the need for fossil fuel generation that would result in approximately 8,600 tons of carbon emissions per year. Construction began in 2015 and employed more than 100 construction, security and electrical workers from Oregon over the course of the project.
Pacific Power will purchase the energy generated by the solar system as part of a 15-year power purchase agreement, which may be extended for up to two five-year increments.
“The project is great for Bly and Klamath County, which have an important future as a home to renewable energy development,” said Todd Andres, regional business manager for Pacific Power, which is part of PacifiCorp. “This is currently the largest solar project in Oregon and we are proud to have it delivering energy to our customers.”
