EDP Renewables developing 200-MW Arizona solar project powering Facebook data center

EDP Renewables and utility company Salt River Project (SRP) have executed a 25-year power purchase agreement for 200 MW at the Randolph Solar Park in Pinal County, located in south-central Arizona.

The entire capacity of the Randolph Solar Park will be dedicated to supporting Facebook’s newly announced data center in Mesa, Arizona

“We enjoy working with partners who share our sustainability vision, and we are happy to work with EDP Renewables to support Facebook’s new data center with renewable solar energy,” said Kelly Barr, SRP’s chief strategy, corporate services and sustainability executive. “All organizations involved in this effort are jointly reducing carbon emissions in Arizona and setting a precedent for a green energy future.”

The Randolph Solar Park is expected to be operational in 2023, generating enough electricity to annually power more than 49,000 average Arizona homes

SRP’s investment in the Randolph Solar Park is part of the utility’s expanded commitment to add 2,025 MW of utility-scale solar resources to its power system by 2025 and serve customer energy needs with renewable energy.

“We are excited to partner with SRP and EDP Renewables to bring new solar energy resources to the Arizona grid. Access to renewable energy and a strong grid were an important part of our decision to build in Mesa,” said Urvi Parekh, Facebook’s head of renewable energy. “Facebook is committed to having a positive impact on local communities, and we’re excited to help bring this additional investment and jobs to the area.”

Randolph is EDP Renewables’ first greenfield development project to execute a PPA in the state, and the company will continue its efforts to add more to its portfolio in Arizona in the coming years.

“Arizona has an abundance of opportunities in the solar space, and this transaction allows EDP Renewables to expand our presence in this growing market,” said Miguel Prado, EDP Renewables North America CEO. “We are eager to break ground next year on this project, which will provide an economic boost to the local economy and sustainable, reliable energy to Arizonians.”

News item from EDP Renewables North America

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Original Source: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/08/edp-renewables-developing-arizona-solar-project-powering-facebook-data-center/