SunEdison Inc. (NYSE: SUNE) on Oct. 6 announced the completion of two solar power systems totaling 1,280 kW (ac) that were developed for the Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities’ waste water treatment plant in partnership with Oak Leaf Energy Partners, a leading national solar developer.
SunEdison constructed and financed the installations and will be the long-term owner and operator of the systems. The construction of the solar systems was funded in part by a $2 million grant from Xcel Energy‘s (NYSE: XEL) Renewable Development Fund. The fund is designed to sponsor projects that improve the environment, increase renewable energy use and create jobs. The grant supports a 1,000 kW solar system for the liquid treatment facility of the plant and another 280 kW solar system for the on-site sludge drying facility.
“Xcel Energy is a forward thinking utility, and by promoting the development of new renewable energy in their community they are creating economic activity and valuable jobs,” said Mark Domine, SunEdison’s senior director of US channel sales.
“These grants serve as a critical tool in the creation of renewable energy solutions,” said Adam Duininck, Metropolitan Council chair. “The project developed by Oak Leaf and SunEdison will bring clean, renewable energy to our wastewater treatment plant while creating jobs, increasing the tax base, and promoting a more livable environment.”
“This project was a result of the leadership shown by the Metropolitan Council and the support provided by Xcel Energy,” said Michael McCabe, Partner at Oak Leaf.
Operation and maintenance of the solar power plants will be performed by SunEdison Services, which provides global asset management, monitoring and reporting services. The solar systems are expected to power 10% of the wastewater treatment plant’s annual electricity needs.
SunEdison develops, finances, installs, owns and operates renewable power plants, delivering predictably priced electricity to its residential, commercial, government and utility customers. SunEdison is one of the world’s largest renewable energy asset managers and provides customers with asset management, operations and maintenance, monitoring and reporting services. Corporate headquarters are in the United States with additional offices and technology manufacturing around the world.
As an independent producer of solar energy, Oak Leaf works with water and wastewater utilities, municipalities, school districts and private enterprises across the country to deliver a long-term, reliable supply of clean electricity.
The Metropolitan Council is the regional policy-making body, planning agency, and provider of essential services for the Twin Cities metropolitan region.
