Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions (DESS) has acquired Pike Solar, a new solar power plant being constructed to serve customers of Colorado Springs Utilities. DESS is a nonregulated commercial brand of Duke Energy and acquired the solar project from JUWI Inc. (JUWI), a global solar power developer.
Containing more than 414,000 solar panels on about 1310 acres (530 ha) just outside the city limits of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Pike Solar will provide 175 MW of electricity to Colorado Springs Utilities customers, or enough electricity to power approximately 46,300 homes.
Under a 17-year agreement, Colorado Springs Utilities will purchase the electricity Pike Solar generates. Under the terms of the acquisition, JUWI is responsible for the engineering, procurement, and construction of the project. The solar modules are being procured by DESS.
JUWI and DESS will each have operation and maintenance responsibilities. With this addition, DESS has three solar projects in Colorado totaling 248 MW. “We’re pleased to continue expanding our solar portfolio in Colorado,” said Chris Fallon, president of DESS. “This project will support the renewable energy goals of Colorado Springs Utilities and allow them to reduce energy costs while providing diverse and cleaner energy solutions for their customers.”
“This is an exciting development for us as Pike Solar will be the largest solar facility on our system and represents a significant step on our journey to diversify our energy mix,” said Travas Deal, acting CEO for Colorado Springs Utilities. “Projects like Pike Solar are integral to our ability to reach our Energy Vision goal of achieving 80% carbon reduction by 2030.”
The solar plant is under construction with current activities focused on civil work and racking installation and is scheduled to achieve commercial operation in late 2023. “The realization of the Pike Solar project marks another milestone in our company’s history,” said JUWI’s Group COO Stephan Hansen. “Pike Solar is our company’s largest single project worldwide.”
The project is expected to employ 350 at peak construction. Along with indirect economic benefits that accompany solar project development, such as increased local spending in the service and construction industries, the companies believe that the Pike Solar facility will also have a positive economic impact on the local community by providing significant tax revenues for area public schools. Duke Energy now has more than 10,500 MW of solar and wind energy.
