RWE Renewables has partnered with Constellation to develop a 200MW solar facility coupled with a 80 MW/120MWh battery storage system in Bastrop County, Texas.
Constellation, a leading competitive energy and energy solutions provider, will purchase power and project-specific renewable energy certificates (RECs) equal to a 140MW section of the total 200MW capacity of RWE’s Big Star solar project.
Separately, Constellation has equivalent long-term agreements in place to help power the Texas operations of PepsiCo, McCormick & Company, Best Buy and ViacomCBS’ KTVT and KTXA TV stations with clean, renewable energy from the project.
These major commercial customers will receive energy and RECs from the Big Star project as part of their retail electric supply contract with Constellation.
RWE Renewables chief executive for onshore wind and PV Silvia Ortín said: “As one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies, we are committed to contributing to the energy transition and providing decarbonization options to reach climate neutral goals.
“Our Big Star solar facility is well-placed to provide Constellation and its major corporation partners with green energy to power their operations.”
The facility is currently under development and expected to reach commercial operation in the second quarter of 2022.
Constellation chief executive Jim McHugh added: “This deal demonstrates the collective positive impact made possible by customers who share an authentic commitment to addressing climate change and reducing their respective carbon footprints.
“We take pride in providing a clean energy solution that helps leading companies such as these take proactive steps to meeting their environmental goals through renewable supply.”
The US accounts for more than one third of the RWE Group’s renewables capacity.
RWE constructs, owns and operates some of the highest performing wind, solar and energy storage projects in the US.
It has 29 onshore projects in operation and several under construction including the Hickory Park solar project with co-located storage, Blackjack Creek onshore wind farm in South Texas and more to come.
In addition RWE has entered into a joint venture, New England Aqua Ventus, focused on floating offshore wind in the state of Maine.