Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions announced the start of construction of the 120-megawatt (MW) Jackpot Solar project in Twin Falls County, Idaho.
It will be the largest solar power facility in operation in Idaho.
Jackpot Solar, which is expected to achieve commercial operation by the end of 2022, will provide energy to Idaho Power through a 20-year power purchase agreement.
Idaho Power is working toward its Clean Today, Cleaner Tomorrow goal of providing 100 percent clean energy by 2045. It sells the associated renewable energy credits (RECs) to offset power supply costs and to keep customer prices low.
“Jackpot Solar will help diversify the state’s energy infrastructure, bring additional economic benefits to the state and Twin Falls County, while also supporting Idaho Power’s clean energy goals,” said Chris Fallon, president of Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions.
“Providing 100 percent clean energy is an important goal for Idaho Power, and customers are telling us it is important to them, too,” Idaho Power President and CEO Lisa Grow said.
Swinerton Renewable Energy is doing the engineering and construction for the project, which will be located on 952 rural acres south of the city of Twin Falls. Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions will own and operate the project.
The project is expected to employ approximately 200 workers at peak construction.
Additionally, the Duke Energy Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to the Shoshone Basin Rangeland Fire Protection Association to support the organization’s efforts to enhance the safety of the citizens in rural areas of Twin Falls County, Idaho.
Duke Energy reached more than 10,000 MW of solar and wind energy, and the company has set a goal of reaching 16,000 MW of renewables by 2025 and 47,000 MW by 2050.