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US-based steel products manufacturer Nucor has signed a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with EDF Renewables North America (EDFR) for 250MWac of solar energy in Texas for 15 years.
Nucor selected the project through a competitive request for proposal (RFP) process. The solar facility is expected to deliver clean energy in the second quarter of 2023.
It will be Nucor’s first solar PPA and the largest of its kind for the steel industry. Nucor president and CEO Leon Topalian said: “Nucor is one of the most efficient and cleanest steel producers in the world, and we are always looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint.
“We are already North America’s largest recycler, and supporting the addition of more clean power to the regional grid via this agreement further demonstrates Nucor’s commitment to sustainable steelmaking.”
Construction works on EDFR’s solar facility are expected to begin in 2022. During the peak construction phase, the project is expected to create employment opportunities in the region.
EDF Renewables Grid-Scale Power executive vice-president Ryan Pfaff: “EDF Renewables is pleased to partner with Nucor and help them with their sustainability initiatives in a cost-effective manner.
“Nucor’s decision to procure solar energy allows this project to move forward into construction, which will provide an economic boost to the local economy through new construction jobs and expanded tax base.” EDFR has 16GW of renewable projects developed throughout North America.