Renewable developer Zelestra has signed a long-term power purchase agreement with AEP Energy Partners for the full output of its proposed 50MW Gem City solar project in Dayton, Ohio.
Zelestra said the agreement enables construction of the project, which is in advanced development and is expected to begin full works in early 2027 ahead of operations by the end of that year.
Under the arrangement, AEP Energy Partners will sell the electricity to its retail affiliate AEP Energy, which supplies power to the City of Dayton’s community aggregation programme through an agreement with the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC).
Brian Whitlatch, senior vice president at AEP Energy, said the company is focused on delivering long-term price stability and environmental benefits for customers, adding that the deal with Zelestra highlights the group’s ability to provide innovative energy solutions.
Zelestra US chief executive Phil North said the PPA clears the way for near-term construction of Gem City, with the company committed to delivering the project to high standards for AEP Energy Partners.
Zelestra said Gem City will be among the largest solar generating facilities located within a US city limit and forms part of its global development pipeline of around 15GW of renewable projects.
