EDF Renewables North America and its joint venture (JV) partner Enbridge have commissioned the 150 megawatts alternating current (MWac) first phase of the Fox Squirrel Solar project in Madison County in the US state of Ohio.
Clean electricity from the solar plant is now being supplied to the Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland Interconnection grid.
The Fox Squirrel Solar project, to be constructed in three phases, will have a total capacity of 749 megawatts defined conditions/577MWac.
It will feature 1.4 million panels and 159 inverters and will be one of the largest onshore renewable energy projects developed and built by EDF Renewables North America.
During the first phase construction period, 650 workers were employed to install 10,000 solar panels per day.
Phase two, with a capacity of 250MWac, will begin in mid-2024.
It will be followed by the 177MWac third phase, scheduled to begin operations by the end of 2024.
The Fox Squirrel Solar project is supported by a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with a reputable investment-grade company.
The PPA ensures that the full generation capacity of the project is utilised.
The project will generate enough electricity to meet the demands of 118,000 Ohio homes.
Enbridge agreed to participate in the construction and operation of the Fox Squirrel Solar project in November 2023.
As part of a JV agreement, it acquired a 50% interest in the first phase of the project with an investment commitment of $149m.
It will finalise its investment in stages throughout 2024.
EDF Renewables North America onshore development senior vice-president Kate O’Hair stated: “The development and operation of Phase 1 marks a significant milestone in our journey to drive Ohio’s future with clean, decarbonised electricity.
“This project serves as a testament to the invaluable support from the county and community, highlighting their crucial role in ensuring the project’s success.”
Enbridge corporate strategy executive vice-president and power president Matthew Akman stated: “We are pleased to bring into service the first phase of the Fox Squirrel Solar project as part of our expanded strategic partnership with EDF Renewables. The development of this project will support local communities and deliver clean power for our customers.
“The project underscores our energy transition leadership and highlights our rigorous capital allocation process, which targets projects that are immediately accretive to DCF [discounted cash flow] per share and complementary to our growth outlook.”
