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60-megawatt project will provide clean energy to customers of Colorado Springs Utilities
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The project is the largest solar project contracted by Colorado Springs Utilities
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Duke Energy Renewables, a commercial business unit of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), has acquired the development assets associated with the 60-megawatt (MW) Palmer Solar project in El Paso County, Colorado, from juwi Americas, a renewable energy company based in Boulder.
The project, which contains more than 200,000 solar panels, is being built on land south of Colorado Springs. With this addition, Duke Energy Renewables has two solar projects in Colorado totaling more than 70 MW.
“We’re pleased to continue expanding our solar footprint in Colorado,” said Rob Caldwell, president of Duke Energy Renewables. “The Palmer Solar project is another positive step toward Gov. Polis’ dedication of moving the state’s electric grid to 100% renewable sources by 2040.”
The Palmer Solar project is being developed in partnership with Colorado Springs Utilities, whose customers will receive the energy the facility generates under a 20-year agreement. This is the largest solar project contracted by Colorado Springs Utilities to date and the first solar project to interconnect with Colorado Springs Utilities’ transmission system.
“We are committed to offering our customers a clean, more diverse and affordable energy portfolio to power homes and businesses,” said Aram Benyamin, Colorado Springs Utilities CEO. “The Palmer Solar project is one of the latest examples of how we are partnering with entities to change the way we power Colorado Springs, taking advantage of the economics and environmental benefits of solar power.”
The Palmer Solar project will generate enough energy to power approximately 19,000 homes per year.
“We’re thrilled to work with Duke Energy to bring additional clean generation to Colorado Springs,” said Michael Martin, president of juwi Americas. “We’re grateful that the Colorado Springs Utilities Board had the vision for this type of project and for the support received from Woodmoor Water & Sanitation and El Paso County’s local officials. These efforts have elevated Colorado to the national stage of renewable energy development and investment.”
The Palmer Solar project will create jobs and deliver property tax revenues to El Paso County. Property tax revenues to the county are estimated to be approximately $5.2 million throughout the life of the project. The project workforce will employ as many as 200 individuals during the peak construction period.
Duke Energy Renewables entered into an engineering, construction and procurement (EPC) agreement with juwi for the construction of the project. juwi, through its subsidiary JSI Construction Group, is overseeing the construction of the project, which began in the first quarter of 2019.
Duke Energy Renewables anticipates construction of the Palmer Solar project to be complete by the end of the year.
Duke Energy is one of the nation's top renewable energy providers – on track to own or purchase 8,000 MW of wind, solar and biomass energy by 2020.
Duke Energy Renewables
Duke Energy Renewables, a nonregulated unit of Duke Energy, operates wind and solar generation facilities across the U.S., with a total electric capacity of 3,000 megawatts. The power is sold to electric utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities, and commercial and industrial customers. The unit also operates energy storage and microgrid projects. Visit Duke Energy Renewables for more information.
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S. It employs 30,000 people and has an electric generating capacity of 51,000 megawatts through its regulated utilities, in addition to Duke Energy Renewables’ capacity.
Duke Energy is transforming its customers’ experience, modernizing the energy grid, generating cleaner energy and expanding natural gas infrastructure to create a smarter energy future for the people and communities it serves.
Duke Energy was named to Fortune’s 2019 “World’s Most Admired Companies” list and Forbes’ 2019 “America’s Best Employers” list. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke Energy’s illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
juwi Americas
juwi Inc., based in Boulder, Colo., is a developer, engineering, procurement and construction contractor and operator of large-scale renewable energy generation facilities. juwi and its North American affiliates have developed and built approximately 420 megawatts of operating solar projects in the United States. juwi is wholly owned by the leading German renewable energy company, juwi AG, which has developed and/or built over 3 gigawatts of renewable energy facilities worldwide.
Colorado Springs Utilities
For generations, Colorado Springs Utilities has provided electricity, natural gas, water and wastewater services to the Pikes Peak region. As a community-owned utility, its customers enjoy competitive prices, exceptional hometown service, sustainable solutions for a healthier environment and a voice in how their utility operates. Colorado Springs Utilities continues to expand its renewable energy portfolio. Over the next five years, the utility’s solar generation will grow from 19 megawatts to more than 260 megawatts and include a 25-megawatt energy storage facility. For more information, visit csu.org or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Duke Energy contact: Jennifer Garber
Office: 980.373.0668 | 24-Hour: 800.559.3853