AEP Signs MOU for 49.9 MW PV Project (600 jobs - OH)

[jpak]

http://www.solarbuzz.com/News/NewsNAPR2239.htm

AEP Ohio has joined with Turning Point Solar LLC, a joint venture of Agile Energy Inc. and New Harvest Power, are planning to develop a 49.9-megawatt solar generating facility on approximately 500 acres in southeastern Ohio.

The project is expected to bring approximately 600 permanent and construction jobs to Ohio through Turning Point's negotiations with Prius and Isofoton, solar equipment manufacturers from Spain, to supply solar modules and solar trackers for the project from facilities constructed in the state. It is estimated that 300 jobs would be new, permanent positions created at those facilities, while the remaining 300 jobs would be related to construction. AEP Ohio will negotiate a long-term power purchase agreement for the energy from the project.

"We are proud to play an instrumental role in bringing new jobs to Ohio while advancing renewable energy technologies in the Midwest," said Joe Hamrock, president and chief operating officer for AEP Ohio. "Our continued leadership in supporting the development of in-state solar projects leverages Ohio's renewable energy requirements in the right way – generating new investment in our state and creating new, permanent manufacturing jobs to help grow our economy."

AEP Ohio entered into a memorandum of understanding to negotiate a long-term power purchase agreement for solar energy with Turning Point Solar. If executed as expected, AEP Ohio would purchase through a 20-year agreement all of the output, including renewable energy credits, from the 49.9-MW solar generating facility to be located in southeastern Ohio, on approximately 500 acres including reclaimed lands owned by AEP Ohio adjacent to The Wilds, one of the largest conservation centers in North America. Construction and commercial operation of the solar generating facility will be phased in over three years.

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