Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) has kicked off construction work on its 100MW Oak Trail Solar facility in North Carolina, US.
Once built, the scheme near Moyock will supply electricity to Verizon Communications under a long-term power purchase agreement.
Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor Blue Ridge Power has been brought on board to lead the project’s development, while First Solar will supply PV modules.
Around 30% of the site area will be used to establish a pollinator habitat, planting native vegetation and wildflowers for screening to provide ecological benefits, LRE said.
Commercial operation is expected to commence in mid-2023.
The developer now has an 880MW renewable energy pipeline under construction.
“Oak Trail Solar marks another milestone in the growth of LRE’s renewable energy portfolio and is an example of how we manage our projects in alignment with our core values of protecting and respecting the environment and communities in which we operate,” said LRE senior vice president of project execution Sam Mangrum.
Verizon’s chief sustainability officer James Gowen said renewable power procured from the solar scheme will help the telecoms company achieve its target of net zero operations by 2035.
“Verizon is committed to protecting our planet by supporting the production of renewable energy and the transition to a greener US energy grid,” he added.