EDF Renewables North America and Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC) are expanding a partnership to develop a portfolio of distributed solar projects across Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware.
The 15 projects, expected in service in 2021, will generate more than 60MW of local solar energy to ODEC member communities while at the same time providing regional and energy diversification to the cooperative’s generation portfolio.
Virginia-headquartered not-for-profit ODEC originally signed an agreement with EDF Renewables in 2019 for 30MW of solar power on 10–12 prospective sites.
The energy generated will be purchased by the cooperative at a fixed rate through power purchase agreements and provide energy cost surety for its members.
EDF Renewables was chosen as ODEC’s partner through a competitive request for proposal which was led and managed by National Renewables Cooperative Organisation (NRCO).
Under the agreement, EDF Renewables is responsible for the development of 15 sites including all permitting requirements and approvals, as well as the design, engineering, and commissioning of the solar projects.
ODEC president and chief executive Marcus Harris, said: “ODEC is excited to add to our diverse supply of low-cost, clean energy through these solar projects.
“Our cooperative is dedicated to expanding renewable energy generation as part of our on-going commitment to providing our member owners with safe, affordable, reliable, and sustainable power.”
EDF Renewables vice president of strategic development, Myles Burnsed, said: “We are happy to expand our business with ODEC and NRCO, who are already taking a long-term view by choosing local solar energy.
“This choice strengthens their energy independency and demonstrates to businesses across the nation who can play a part and conduct business as normal as possible in these unprecedented times.”
NRCO vice president of renewables development, Todd Bartling, said: “Our member coops continue to utilise unique approaches to develop and deliver new renewable resources to rural communities.
“We are pleased to have worked with its member ODEC in the search for and ultimate contracting with EDF Renewables to develop this 60MW phase of ODEC’s innovative distributed solar portfolio.”