Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions is acquiring the 100-megawatt (MW) Wildflower Solar project from Clearway Energy Group. The solar project will generate enough energy to power approximately 21,000 homes.
The site, which is expected to begin full construction in late 2022 and achieve commercial operation in late 2023, is located in Desoto County, MS. It will be the first Mississippi based renewable energy project for Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions.
Toyota North America has signed a 15-year virtual power purchase agreement for up to 80 MWs of the solar energy produced by the project. The agreement will financially settle on an as-generated basis tied to the project’s real-time energy output.
Wildflower Solar, located in proximity to Toyota’s manufacturing facility in Mississippi, will help the automotive manufacturer replace the high emission electricity used in its operations with zero emissions renewable electricity on the grid. Toyota’s goal is to achieve carbon neutrality in its operations by 2035.
“Wildflower Solar will further diversify Mississippi’s energy infrastructure, while reducing Toyota’s emissions from its North American operations,” said Chris Fallon, president of Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions.
Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions will own and operate the project, which is expected to employ 300 at peak construction. Duke Energy has more than 10,500 MW of solar and wind energy.