First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) is set to proceed with development and construction of a 200-megawatt (MW)ac photovoltaic (PV) solar power plant in Twiggs County, Ga. First Solar was awarded the installation as part of a 525MWac Request for Proposals for Georgia Power’s Renewable Energy Development Initiative (REDI).
“This is a tremendously exciting opportunity for First Solar to demonstrate our capability to develop solar assets in the Southeast and help Georgia Power meet the renewable energy needs of its customers,” said Kathryn Arbeit, Vice President of Project Development – Americas for First Solar. “Georgia Power’s significant commitment to renewable energy, paired with Twiggs County’s strong leadership and supportive business environment, combine to serve as a great example of how solar can be seamlessly included in the region’s energy mix.”
The solar project is currently in an advanced development stage, and is being developed under a Power Purchase Agreement with Georgia Power for the electricity and renewable attributes generated by the facility. Construction is expected to begin in November 2018. Upon completion and commissioning, anticipated in late 2019, this will be the largest stand-alone PV solar plant in the southeastern United States.
“We are committed to working with the Georgia Public Service Commission to create programs, like REDI, that help grow renewable energy in Georgia and add value for all of our customers,” said Wilson Mallard, Director of Renewable Development for Georgia Power. “Recently completed large-scale solar projects across Georgia are serving customers today, and the Twiggs County project will be the latest addition, allowing Georgia Power customers to benefit from cost-effective, competitive solar as part of our diverse generation mix.”
The project will be built on 2,000 acres of land near Warner Robins, Ga. Using over half a million of First Solar’s advanced technology thin film solar modules, the power plant is expected to generate more than 450 GWh of electricity annually. It will also be the largest infrastructure project in Twiggs County, which will see the economic benefit of 300-400 jobs during construction and ongoing tax revenues from the project.
“The Board of Commissioners extend a hearty Twiggs County welcome to First Solar,” said Ken Fowler, Chairman of the Twiggs County Commission. “We look forward to collaborating with our new partners on the biggest solar project in the state that will bring much needed jobs and economic benefits to the Geographic Center of Georgia.”