Xcel Energy recently announced the return of the Large Solar*Rewards program offering by awarding a project to NextEra Energy Resources Acquisitions LLC, which will partner with IBM to build a 6 megawatt (MW) solar array at IBM's facility in North Boulder. Xcel Energy will make two more offerings in 2018 and 2019 for up to 10 MW and 14 MW, respectively.
Xcel Energy issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) in July 2017 and received 15 bids from seven developers. The winning bid was based on price for the Renewable Energy Credit (REC).
"This is another example of Xcel Energy enabling the growth of renewable energy," said David Eves, president, Xcel Energy - Colorado. "It's also an example of providing customers individual control over their energy choices, a key component of the Our Energy Future initiative outlined in 2016."
IBM, in partnership with NextEra, was awarded the entire release of Xcel Energy's Solar*Reward program and will build the ground mounted, solar tracking array on 54 acres of IBM property that was formerly being farmed. The fenced area around the array will become a grazing area for sheep. By installing the 6 megawatt array, IBM anticipates reducing emissions by as much as 5,900 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is equivalent to taking 1,300 cars off the road for a year.
"IBM has corporate objectives to reduce emissions and increase the use of renewable energy for its operations," said Pete Lorenzen, IBM Boulder Senior Location Executive. "IBM has also reiterated its support for the Paris Climate Agreement, a commitment by governments around the globe to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This project is another way IBM is taking action to achieve real results."
The solar installation is expected to be completed in late 2018.
About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
November 22, 2024
