Southern Company subsidiary advances solar development with fifth acquisition in Georgia
<p>Building on one of the nation's largest renewable energy portfolios, Southern Company subsidiary Southern Power has announced the acquisition of the Pawpaw Solar Facility - a 30-megawatt (MW) project - from Longview Solar LLC. With the addition of the company's fifth solar acquisition in Georgia, Southern Power is developing a total of 385-MW of solar generation in the state.</p>
<p>"Southern Company is delivering sustainable energy solutions for the benefit of customers," said Southern Company Chairman, President and CEO Thomas A. Fanning. "This investment increases our fuel diversity and builds on our commitment to create better lives and a better energy future for America."</p>
<p>The Pawpaw Solar Facility was initially proposed by Longview Solar LLC - a joint venture of Elemental Energy Inc. and TUUSSO Energy, LLC - and selected by Southern Company subsidiary Georgia Power in a competitive process through the nationally recognized Georgia Power Advanced Solar Initiative.</p>
<p>The electricity and associated renewable energy credits (RECs) generated by the facility will be sold under a 30-year power purchase agreement with Georgia Power, which will have the option to keep or sell the RECs for the benefit of its customers or renewable energy programs.</p>
<p>To be located on approximately 416 acres in Taylor County, Georgia, the Pawpaw Solar Facility is expected to consist of approximately 137,000 polycrystalline solar modules from Trina Solar mounted on single-axis tracking tables manufactured by NEXTracker. Construction is slated to begin this month, and the facility is expected to enter commercial operation in the fourth quarter of 2015.</p>
<p>Once completed, operation and maintenance will be managed by Southern Power. DEPCOM Power will serve as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor.</p>
<p>Southern Power's renewable energy portfolio of more than 1,200-MW of company-owned generating capacity - either already in operation or under development - was assembled through the strategic development of a total of 17 solar, wind and biomass projects across the United States.</p>
<p>The Pawpaw Solar Facility fits Southern Power's business strategy of growing its wholesale business through the acquisition and construction of generating assets substantially covered by long-term contracts.</p>
