Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions, a nonregulated subsidiary of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), launched the 207 megawatt (MW) Ledyard Windpower project today in Kossuth County, Iowa.
The project was co-developed with Amshore Renewable Energy. It also received support fromVerizon Communications through a 15-year power purchase agreement for 180 megwatts of power from the project.
“Verizon’s support of renewable energy is a key enabler to achieving our goal of net-zero emissions in our operations by 2035. Through investments in clean energy solutions – like this agreement with Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions – Verizon is doing its part to green the U.S. energy grid,” said James Gowen, Verizon’s chief sustainability officer and senior vice president, global supply chain.
The company’s aim is to provide enough renewable capacity to power the functional equivalent of 75,000 houses. The project sports 46 Vestas V150 4.5 megawatt turbines, and is responsible for the site’s operations and maintenance.
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Duke Energy gives back to the community
Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions is a sustainable energy company that helps large enterprises reduce power costs and emissions. The team operates in the wind, solar, and resilient backup power spaces. It offers managed energy services to over 1,000 projects in the United States.
During peak construction, this project helped Ledyard Windpower fill 200 more jobs. The company anticipates having a positive impact on the community through tax contributions, and through payments to participating landowners. Meanwhile, farmers will continue to enjoy the benefits of the 12,000 acre agricultural site.
Finally, both the Duke Energy Foundation and Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions recently awarded a $60,000 grant to the Ledyard Fire Department in its efforts to purchase a tanker pumper truck.
“More than 10% of the nation’s wind power is in Iowa, and it’s exciting for our company to begin operating in that market. We also have a terrific customer in Verizon, and we’re pleased to help them advance their own renewable energy portfolio for their operations,” said Chris Fallon, president of Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions.
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