McDonald’s Corporation has signed an agreement with Lightsource bp to purchase power from a 145MWac/180MWdc solar site in Louisiana.
The Prairie Ronde Solar project will generate an expected average of approximately 327,000 MWh of renewable energy annually, equivalent to the average annual electricity consumption of 30,700 US homes once complete.
Lightsource bp will finance, build, own and operate the facility located about 25 miles north of Lafayette.
McDonald’s will purchase all the solar energy the project generates, equivalent to approximately 630 restaurants’ worth of renewable electricity annually.
Construction of the site is expected to begin in early 2023, with commercial operation starting in late 2024.
“Growing our partnership with Lightsource bp reaffirms our commitment to building a more sustainable McDonald’s system at a meaningful scale,” said Elaine Strunk, Senior Director Global Sustainability, McDonald’s.
“Prairie Ronde Solar will contribute to our climate aspirations while adding a considerable amount of new renewable generation to the grid.”
Kevin Smith, CEO, Lightsource bp, Americas, added: “This deal marks McDonald’s second solar project in Louisiana in partnership with Lightsource bp, bringing our statewide total of solar assets to 525MW representing a cumulative half billion-dollar private investment.
“McDonald’s is a great example of a corporate buyer whose commitment to sustainability is driving massive investment in new clean energy infrastructure for America’s energy security and clean energy future.”