Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions (DESS) has purchased the Pike Solar project, a 223MW solar power plant currently under construction for Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU).
The project was acquired from Juwi, the engineering, procurement, and construction contractor that has already begun work on the 1,310-acre site located near Colorado Springs on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains.
Juwi is currently focused on civil work and racking installation and plans to install over 414,000 solar panels in the coming months.
JUWI Group COO Stephan Hansen said: “The realization of the Pike Solar project marks another milestone in our company's history. Pike Solar is our company's largest single project worldwide so far.
“Currently, the 204-megawatt Kozani solar farm in Greece, which has been commissioned in 2022, holds the JUWI record.”
“We are pleased to work with Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions, Colorado Springs Utilities Board and El Paso County's local officials to add additional clean and cost-effective generation in Colorado, our home base in the U.S.”
The Pike Solar project, developed jointly by JUWI and DESS, is set to bring 350 jobs during peak construction and become operational in late 2023.
It will generate 175MW (223MW AC) of electricity, enough to power approximately 46,300 homes, and will be sold to Colorado Springs Utilities customers under a 17-year power purchase agreement. JUWI will handle EPC services while DESS will provide the solar modules, and both companies will share operation and maintenance responsibilities.
Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions president Chris Fallon said: “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.”
Colorado Springs Utilities acting chief executive officer Travas Deal said: “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.
“Projects like Pike Solar are integral to our ability to reach our Energy Vision goal of achieving 80% carbon reduction by 2030.”
