UK-based solar developer Lightsource bp has announced the successful commissioning of its 188-MW Honeysuckle solar project located in St. Joseph County, Indiana. The facility has secured a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Google, which is part of the tech giant's commitment to operate its data centers on clean electricity around the clock by 2030.
The Honeysuckle solar park aligns with Google's plans for a USD 2 billion data center campus in Fort Wayne. Amanda Peterson Corio, Google's global head of data center energy, emphasized the company's ambition to achieve 100% clean energy for all its campuses, including the Fort Wayne facility.
Lightsource bp noted that the privately-funded solar project is enhancing the domestic supply chain, utilizing 85% local labor in its construction. The solar panels were sourced from First Solar, with solar trackers provided by Array Technologies and steel from Nucor, highlighting a strong commitment to US manufacturing.
Emilie Wangerman, COO of Lightsource bp USA, stated that the project exemplifies the benefits arising from the Inflation Reduction Act, as it supports the growing US solar manufacturing sector and local unions while investing in rural America.
