Lightsource BP and Verizon Communications have signed a virtual power purchase agreement, enabling the construction of the 152.5MW AC Bellflower solar farm in Indiana, US.
The agreement will support Verizon’s objective of carbon neutral operations by 2035.
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Verizon chief sustainability officer and supply chain operations vice-president James Gowen said: “Last year, Verizon issued its second $1bn green bond, which will be used to fund long-term renewable energy purchase agreements – including this agreement with Lightsource BP – that support the construction of solar and wind facilities.
“These facilities will bring new renewable energy to the grids that power our networks. Verizon is committed to supporting the transition to a greener grid by making substantial investments in renewable energy.”
The solar facility will be developed in Henry and Rush Counties, located 40 miles east of Indianapolis. During construction, the project will create nearly 250 jobs in the region, before coming online next year.
Additionally, the wind farm will generate $30m in property tax revenue to Rush and Henry Counties over its life.
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By GlobalDataBellflower solar farm is described as a pollinator-friendly solar farm, designed in collaboration with ecology experts to restore and conserve pollinator habitat. The solar farm is expected to offset 223,440mt of carbon emissions annually.
Lightsource BP Americas CEO Kevin Smith said: “Through their corporate sustainability commitment, Verizon is spurring the development of clean and affordable energy sources in the US that benefit us all.
“Working together, we’re reducing carbon emissions from electricity generation for the overall grid while delivering substantial local economic benefits. Adding initiatives to enhance local biodiversity further multiplies solar’s contribution to preserving our planet for future generations.”
