JUNO BEACH, Fla. – NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, through an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary, announced today that it has completed construction of a 3.75 megawatt (MW) DC ground-mounted solar photovoltaic array for the town of Bethlehem, NY. The solar system was installed at a former clay mine in Selkirk, NY.
“This is a great example of how NextEra Energy Resources can help a municipality turn an unused piece of land into a tool for cost-savings and sustainability,” said Matt Handel, vice president of development for NextEra Energy Resources. “Oftentimes, these overlooked parcels provide opportunities for the construction of solar projects. The town of Bethlehem’s leadership recognized this opportunity and we were pleased to partner with them to leverage unused land that will result in reduced energy costs and energy savings for the residents of Bethlehem.”
The 12,350-module system spread across two arrays was installed at no up-front cost to the town of Bethlehem as part of a 20-year power purchase agreement with a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources.
“The town’s Sustainable Bethlehem initiative is our commitment to lead by example, encourage energy efficiency and specifically to take actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Town Supervisor John Clarkson. “NextEra Energy Resources’ solar installation at the town’s former clay mine site meets all these goals, and will also save Bethlehem taxpayers a lot of money, with no capital cost. That’s a win-win for the environment and our taxpayers.”
Electricity generated by the solar array will offset the electricity consumed by multiple town facilities. The town will pay a pre-negotiated rate for the electricity to a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, which will own and operate the system. The arrays are expected to reduce the town’s electricity costs by $5 to $7 million over the term of the contract.
The project also received support from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s NY-Sun initiative, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
“Congratulations to the town of Bethlehem for adopting clean, renewable solar energy, which will reduce taxpayer costs and help New York State meet Governor Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) goals,” said John B. Rhodes, president and CEO, NYSERDA. “Under REV and through the state energy plan, New York will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030 and increase renewable energy by 50 percent that same year.”
About 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 21,140 megawatts of generating capacity, which includes megawatts associated with noncontrolling interests related to NextEra Energy Partners, LP (NYSE: NEP), primarily in 25 states and Canada as of year-end 2015. NextEra Energy Resources, together with its affiliated entities, is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun. 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, Fla.-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information, visit www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.
About NYSERDA
NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect our environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975. To learn more about NYSERDA’s programs and funding opportunities, visit http://nyserda.ny.gov or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram.
