Sanford, Maine – Local leaders joined executives from NextEra Energy Resources (NYSE: NEE) this afternoon to break ground on Maine's largest universal solar energy project, Sanford Airport Solar.
“From clean energy to jobs to economic growth, this project is a hat-trick victory for Sanford and for Maine,” said Governor Janet Mills. “I am proud of the progress that our state continues to make in embracing renewable energy and am glad that Sanford is leading the way with this great project and its many economic and environmental benefits.”
Sanford Airport Solar will be located on land at Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport as well as additional land owned by quasi-municipal entities and private landowners. When completed, the project is expected to be the largest solar array on an airport in the U.S. An affiliate of NextEra Energy Resources is developing the project and will build, own and operate it.
"We are pleased to work with the City of Sanford to introduce a universal solar project of this scale," said Ross Groffman, vice president of development for NextEra Energy Resources, the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the sun and wind. "This project will bring good jobs, tax benefits and renewable energy to the region for decades to come."
Construction will last approximately 12 months. Once complete, the facility will feature more than 150,000 photovoltaic solar panels that convert the sun's energy into electricity. The solar energy center will have a capacity to generate 50 megawatts of electricity.
The project is expected to create a significant economic boost for Sanford, creating up to 120 jobs during the construction phase. From labor and materials, to housing, health care and construction - a wide variety of local businesses will benefit from the influx of economic activity.
"This project will provide good jobs, and Sanford businesses will benefit from the extra activity, too," said Tom Cote, Mayor of Sanford. "The funds will be a big boost to many of the county's future projects and we couldn't be happier to welcome this facility to our community."
Over its operational life, Sanford Airport Solar is expected to generate nearly $10 million in additional revenue for Sanford, with some of that funding going to help projects at Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport.
“We are thrilled to host the largest solar facility at an airport and help realize the benefits it can bring to our community," said, Allison Navia manager of the Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport.
NextEra Energy Resources
NextEra Energy Resources, LLC (together with its affiliated entities, “NextEra Energy Resources”), is a clean energy leader and is one of the largest wholesale generators of electric power in the U.S., with approximately 21,000 megawatts of net generating capacity, primarily in 36 states and Canada as of year-end 2018. NextEra Energy Resources, together with its affiliated entities, is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage. The business operates clean, emissions-free nuclear power generation facilities in New Hampshire, Iowa and Wisconsin as part of the NextEra Energy nuclear fleet, which is one of the largest in the United States. NextEra Energy Resources, LLC is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Florida-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information, visit www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.